Provincial Historic Sites Get Taken Over for the Day

Three Provincial Historic Sites will get “taken over” this weekend when Take Over Day goes into action. The new initiative allows youth in Newfoundland and Labrador to take charge of Provincial Historic Sites for a day and have real-life experiences which complement classroom learning, as well as create excitement around history and culture.

“We are delighted to offer Take Over Day at some of our Provincial Historic Sites this weekend and have a number of our youth involved in the day-to-day operations of these facilities,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “We are excited by the new ideas and fresh perspectives they will bring, and we look forward to getting their take on the types of activities and experiences they feel should be a part of our Provincial Historic Sites.”

The Great Eastern Sea Cadets will take over the Heart’s Content Cable Station in Heart’s Content, while youth from Boyd’s Cove will take over the Beothuk Interpretation Centre in that community. In St. John’s, the Grade 8 class from St. Bonaventure’s College will oversee operations at The Commissariat.

The Take Over Day program provides an opportunity for young people in Newfoundland and Labrador to have meaningful roles in the daily operation of a Provincial Historic Site. Originating in the United Kingdom, the program empowers students to take over the artifacts, story narratives and running of a museum. It allows for the creation of exhibits, programs, tours, resources, learning materials and projects.

“It is always important to provide an opportunity for our students to learn more about local heritage and culture,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Since our government established a mandatory Newfoundland and Labrador history course at the Grade 8 level, thousands of young people have learned more about the people and events which have shaped our world.”

For more information on the Take Over Day program or Provincial Historic Sites, visit www.seethesites.ca or www.facebook.com/ProvincialHistoricSites.NL

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2013 09 27                         9:50 a.m.