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| Saint John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Attractions
In between the wealth of historical and scientific attractions St. John's
offers, make sure you check out the night life! Night clubs line the
cobblestones of George Street and Olde Worlde pubs lie tucked away on side
streets and lanes: Irish, country, dance, rock and roll and traditional music
fills the streets.
St. John's has been entertaining people for the past 500 years - and doing it
with style and warmth.
Sightseeing
COURT HOUSE
Duckworth Street
Opened in 1901, the Court House on Duckworth Street is an impressive
Victorian-era stone building made with local granite and sandstone. The
stonework was cleaned in 1988 and the neo-Romanesque Court House today looks
very much as it did in 1901. The so-called Court House Steps, which lie adjacent
to the Court House on its eastern side and provide a pedestrian connection
between Water Street and Duckworth Street, are on a site that in the 19th
century was a produce market and public gallows. Newfoundland's last public
hanging occurred there in January 1835, when John Flood was hung for robbing the
St. John's-Portugal Cove stagecoach.
COLONIAL BUILDING
Telephone: (709) 729-3065
Fax: (709) 729-0578
The first home of the Legislature was a tavern and lodging house owned and
operated by a Mrs. Travers. The Legislature's stay with Mrs. Travers turned out
to be a short-lived misadventure. The Legislature, in their haste and
inexperience, forgot to vote approval for the funds to pay Mrs. Travers her
rent. The result was a very irate landlady who seized all the property of the
Legislature, not to be released until she was paid what they owed her. The
Legislature was to endure many other temporary homes before they would finally
get a building of their own. The Government made its first significant steps
toward this when they passed an act in 1836 for the construction of a Colonial
Building to serve the dual function of a home for the legislature and a public
market house for the people of St. John's. After much debate, and the rejection
of numerous other proposed sites, the current site of the Colonial Building was
decided upon, with the assistance of the contractor James Purcell and the
builder, Patrick Keough. Colonial Building opened in the 1850s, almost two
decades after Newfoundland obtained self-government in 1832. Constructed of
white limestone brought from Cork, Ireland, the neoclassical building housed
Newfoundland's legislature until 1959, a decade after union with Canada.. Much
of Newfoundland's most important political history occurred in and around this
building. The Colonial Building now houses the Provincial Archives of
Newfoundland & Labrador, the Newfoundland Historical Society, and the
Association of Newfoundland & Labrador Archivists. Reference room is open to
the public year round.
COMMISSARIAT HOUSE
Street: Kings Bridge Road
Telephone:(709)729-6730 / 2460
Fax: (709)729-6745
Email: commissariat@nf.aibn.com
This provincial historic site was constructed in 1818 -1821. This gracious
Georgian structure is located in the east end and served as the home and office
of the Assistant Commissary General. Guides in period costumes are on hand to
show visitors through the site which is restored, furnished and decorated to the
1830 time period. Off Season Tel: (709) 729-0592 Off Season Fax: (709) 729-0870
CONFEDERATION BUILDING
Prince Philip Drive
Telephone: (709) 729-2300
Standing on a hill overlooking historic St. John's, Confederation Building
houses the Legislative Assembly. The 12 storey East Block was opened in 1960
and, at that time, housed all Provincial Government departments, boards and
commissions. The main floor lobby contains a mural by Newfoundland artist Harold
B. Goodridge, which represents Newfoundland before and after confederation. The
grounds also contain a number of sculptures. The six-storey West Block
accommodates more than 2,000 Provincial Government employees. Season: Year Round
FORT AMHERST
Telephone: (709) 754-0617
The first lighthouse in Newfoundland was built by the British Military Garrison
in 1810 and is located at the base of the Southside Hills at the entrance to St.
John's Harbour Narrows opposite Signal Hill.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Military Road, St. John's
Telephone: (709) 729-4494
Fax: (709)729-2234
Email: governmenthouse@gov.nl.ca
www.mun.ca/govhouse/
This building is one of only a few in North America to have a moat surrounding
it. It was commissioned by Governor Cochrane in 1824 and now serves as the
private residence of the Lieutenant Governor as well as the guest home for
visiting members of the Royal family. Season: Open Year Round
NEWMAN WINE VAULTS PROVINCIAL HISTORIC SITE
436 Water Street
Telephone: (709) 739-7870
Fax:(709) 739-5413
Email: vaults@historictrust.com
Visit the only historic wine vaults in Newfoundland.
QUIDI VIDI VILLAGE
2 Barrow's Rd., Quidi Vidi Village
Telephone: (709) 576-2266
Fax: (709) 738-5322
Email: oldstuff@mallardcottage.ca
Quidi Vidi Village is a picturesque fishing village within the City of St.
John's. While wandering through the narrow winding roads you can visit Mallard
Cottage or you can walk the Quidi Vidi Rennies River Trail. Mallard Cottage The
oldest cottage in North America. It is also a Provincial and National Heritage
Site. An array of items including antiques, china, pictures, coins, stamps, etc.
QUIDI VIDI BATTERY PROVINCIAL HISTORIC SITE
Cuckold's Cove Rd., Quidi Vidi Village
Telephone: (709) 729-2977
Fax: (709) 729-6745
Email: comissariat@nf.aibn.com
Quidi Vidi Battery, overlooking scenic Quidi Vidi Village, was originally
erected by the French during their capture of St. John's in 1762. Later rebuilt
by the British, it was occupied until well into the 19th century. Restored to
the 1812 period, this battery is now staffed by guides dressed in period
uniforms of the Royal Artillery. Season: Late June to September Off Season Tel:
(709) 729-0592 Off Season Fax: (709) 729-0870
SIGNAL HILL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Telephone: (709) 772-5367.
Signal Hill rises above the entrance of St. John's harbour and because of its
strategic location, was a natural site for a signal station and fortifications
protecting the harbour and city below. As early as 1704, flag signals were flown
from the summit of Signal Hill to inform St. John's of approaching ships, both
friendly and hostile. In 1762, English and French forces fought the last North
American battle of the Seven Years' War on Signal Hill. When the military
withdrew in 1870, the Newfoundland government turned the vacant barracks into
hospitals. It was in one of these, on the summit of Signal Hill, that Guglielmo
Marconi made communications history when he received the first transatlantic
wireless signal in 1901. Cabot Tower was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's
Diamond Jubilee and the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage of discovery.
It is the location of the last signal station in Canada. Signal Hill stands
today as one of the province's best known landmarks. Cabot Tower offers a
spectacular panorama from its viewing platform.. Along the perimeter of the
19th-century fortification, the Lookout Trail offers an interpretive walkway
featuring display panels on the rich history of Signal Hill, St. John's and
Newfoundland. The site also features walking trails and picnic facilities.
Signal Hill offers a panoramic view of St. John's, the harbour, the ocean and
the coastline. Cape Spear, North America's most easterly point, is visible to
the southeast. Located atop Signal Hill is Cabot Tower, St. John's most visible
landmark. Cabot Tower is open to the public and features historical exhibits and
a gift shop. Signal Hill Tattoo, a 19th-century reenactment, takes place in July
and August. The Tattoo with its colour, pageantry, military drills and cannon
firings have been a major summer tourist attraction in St. Johns since
1967. A Canadian Heritage Award winner, the Signal Hill Tattoo is an
entertaining, historically accurate representation of the Royal Newfoundland
Companies, a British Veterans Regiment that was garrisoned in St.
Johns from 1824 to 1880. The Interpretation Centre at Signal Hill features
an audiovisual presentation on the history of Newfoundland
ST. JOHN'S WATERFRONT
Harbour Drive
To get a real sense of St. John's, a walk along the waterfront is a must. The
harbour, located in historic downtown, has provided shelter to explorers,
merchants, soldiers, pirates and mariners of all kinds over the last 500 years.
Historic buildings, coves, plaques and parks along the route help depict the
history of St. John's since discovery by John Cabot in 1497.
THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES MONUMENT
Former Pepperrell Air Force Base, Property, North Bank of Quidi Vidi Lake
Erected and dedicated in August, 1991. Located on the former Pepperrell Air
Force Base property on the north bank of Quidi Vidi Lake. The concrete monument
is the original one constructed by the United States Marines after they landed
at Argentia Naval Station, Placentia Bay, on January 25, 1941. Here they raised
the first American flag on Newfoundland soil on February 13, 1941. The setting,
located in the area overlooking Pepperrell and Quidi Vidi Lake, is beautifully
landscaped. The flags of the United States, Canada and Newfoundland fly
continuously.
WAR MEMORIAL
Water Street
The Newfoundland War Memorial was unveiled between Duckworth Street and Water
Street on July 1, 1924 - exactly eight years after the Newfoundland Regiment was
decimated at Beaumont Hamel, France, during the Battle of the Somme. Situated at
Queen's Beach where Sir Humphry Gilbert took possession of the island in 1583.
Its bronze figures represent Liberty, the Merchant Marine, the Army, the Navy
and the Forestry Corps
Theatres
Arts & Culture
Centre
Address: Allandale Road
Telephone: (709) 729-3900
Bowring Park Amphitheatre
Address: Bowring Park
Telephone: (709) 576-6134
D.F. Cook Recital Hall
Address: M.O. Morgan Building, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Telephone: (709) 737-7486
Student and faculty performances, local and visiting artists
L.S.P.U. Hall Theatre
Address: 3 Victoria Street
Telephone: (709) 753-4531
Spirit of
Newfoundland Productions
Address: 223 Duckworth Street
Telephone: (709)579-3023 / 754-7151
Museums
Blackhead Chapel Museum
Address: 8 Blackhead Village Road, St. John's
Telephone: (709)753-1077
Open Year Round, by appointment only. A tiny wooden chapel, constructed as a
one-room school in 1879.
Fort Amherst Lighthouse, Museum and Tea Room
Address: 13 Fort Amherst, St. John's,
Telephone: (709)754-0619
Email: jpower@mun.ca
The former lightkeeper's dwelling has been transformed into a museum, photo
gallery, tea room and craft shop. Can be booked for private parties, meetings,
gatherings, etc. Spectacular view!
James J.
O'Mara Pharmacy Museum
Address: Apothecary Hall, 488 Water Street, St. John's
Telephone: (709)753-5877
Fax: 709)753-8615
Email: npha@nf.sympatico.ca
The James J. O'Mara Pharmacy Museum is a heritage drug store circa 1895, and is
a replica of a working pharmacy complete with a set of antique store fixtures, a
display of pharmaceutical implements such as mortars and pestles, scales, cork
presses and much more. Open to the public June to September and by appointment
for the remainder of the year..
Newfoundland Museum
Address: 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John's
Telephone: (709) 757-8000
Fax: (709) 757-8017
Now part of "The Rooms", the Museum proudly displays three galleries
which examines the natural history and native peoples of the Province. Check out
Tales from the Vault, a changeable gallery where there's always something old
that's new to see. Closed Mondays and Statutory Holidays.
Railway and Coastal
Museum
Address: 495 Water Street, St. John's
Telephone: 1-866-600-7245 / (709)724-5929
Fax: (709)738-3293
Email: info@railwaycoastalmuseum.ca
Former train station. In this magnificent heritage building, this museum
exhibits the 100 year history of the Newfoundland Railway and Coastal Boat
services.
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Police Museum
Address: Fort Townshend, Parade Street, St. John's
Telephone: (709)729-8023
Fax: (709)753-8244
Regimental museum and archives with a limited collection of special interest to
Royal Newfoundland Regiment historians and former family members with direct
regimental ties and interests. Open by appointment.
The Lillian Stevenson Nursing Archives/Museum
Address: L. A. Miller Centre, Forest Road, St. John's
Telephone: (709)722-4656 / 777-5199
Fax: (709)777-6969
The only combined hospital medical nursing archives/museum in Canada. It has a
collection of hospital artifacts from the earlier days of medical and nursing
practices in Newfoundland.
Historical Archives and Research Centres
As an important part of North American history, the city of St. John's has a
large number of archives operated by the city, province and university.
City of St. John's Archives
Address: 495 Water St. , 3rd Floor
Telephone: (709) 576-8167
Fax: (709) 576-8254
Email: hmiller@stjohns.ca
Website: www.stjohns.ca
Maritime History Archive
Address: Henrietta Harvey Building, Memorial University
Telephone: (709) 737-8428
Fax: (709) 737-3123
Email: mha@morgan.ucs.mun.ca
Website: www.mun.ca/mha
Collects and preserves records and information relating to maritime industries
and culture. Holding document shipping and seafarers, fishers and the fishing
industry, shipwrecks, sea captains and Newfoundland family history.
Newfoundland & Labrador Genealogical Society
Address: 657 Topsail Road, Waterford Valley Mall
Telephone: (709) 754-9525
Fax: (709) 754-6430
Email: nlgs@nf.sympatico.ca
Website: www3.nf.sympatico.ca/nlgs
The Genealogical Resource Centre provides a wealth of information that is of
interest to the researcher. This information consists of historical records in
Newfoundland and Labrador. The collections include: CEMETERY TRANSCRIPTIONS open
for personal research. This collection consists of approximately 1,000
cemeteries, obtained mainly by student projects, managed each summer with the
assistance of heritage societies and museums throughout the province.
Transcripts are also donated by volunteers. CENSUS RECORDS concerning
Newfoundland have been identified at various archives in Newfoundland and this
inventory is available. A small collection of census records can be accessed.
FAMILY HISTORIES, donated by members, provide researchers with access to several
hundred family histories. FAMILY HISTORY JOURNALS from about sixty societies in
Canada and around the world provide a wealth of information. This collection was
contributed too by many societies and individuals. PARISH REGISTERS, in
particular burial registers from a growing collection. REFERENCE CENTRE -
provides details of archives, museums, and heritage groups in the province.
While the focus of this collection is Newfoundland and Labrador, much
information is available on English and Irish counties and all provinces in
Canada. Reference books on genealogy, Newfoundland and Labrador history, Irish
and British genealogy are available
Provincial Archives of Newfoundland & Labrador
Address: The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue
Telephone: (709) 757-8000
Fax: (709) 757-8017
Email: panl@gov.nf.ca
Website: www.gov.nf.ca/panl/
Provides researcher assistance in such areas as registration, genealogical
inquiries, copying assistance and record retrieval. |
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