$159,000 Investment Supports the Work of Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador is in a better position to preserve and promote the province’s wooden boat history as the result of a $159,000 investment from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, made the announcement today at the Wooden Boat Museum in Winterton.

“Preserving the province’s tradition of wooden boat building is critical to ensuring that our cultural customs are sustained,” said Minister Johnson. “This investment of $159,000 will ensure that the Wooden Boat Museum is able to carry on with their educational activities, while also moving forward with exhibition development and new marketing initiatives.”

The Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador was established in 1997 under the direction of the Winterton Heritage Advisory Board which recognized that boat building craftsmanship and the knowledge associated with it were rapidly disappearing throughout the province.

“Local museums are an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural fabric,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “I know that a vital part of Wooden Boat Museum’s mandate is to teach people about the craftsmanship associated with boat building and I am confident that the museum’s staff are working diligently to safeguard this important part of our province’s history.”

The Wooden Boat Museum archives, conserves, and exhibits the province’s wooden boat history and its contribution to the province’s economy and way of life. The museum is located on Highway 80 in Winterton, approximately 71 kilometres north of the Trans-Canada Highway.

“With this funding, we will be able to continue fulfilling our mandate of safeguarding the design, construction and use of inshore fishing boats that were part of this province's past,” said Frank French, Chair of the Wooden Boat Museum’s Board of Directors. “We work diligently to foster interest in areas relating to the heritage of wooden boats and will continue to work with like-minded organizations to support this important aspect of our culture.”

Additional information on the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, its exhibitions and programs can be found at: www.woodenboatmuseum.com .

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