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The Newfoundland Historic Trust was established in 1966 as a citizen's response to the threatened demolition of Christ Church, a small Anglican chapel (1842) in the village of Quidi Vidi on the outskirts of St. John's. There was no organized preservation effort in Newfoundland at the time, and public discontent and frustration were building as more and more historic buildings throughout the province were being lost through demolition or neglect.

When, after six gruelling years the building was restored, the Trust turned its attention to broader aspects of heritage conservation and the cultural landscape, aiming to raise levels of public awareness and ultimately to achieve an enlightened historic resources policy.

Its involvement with the Commissariat (1819), Powers Court (1806), and the battle over Atlantic Place in downtown St. John's drew public attention to built heritage and urban design issues. At its annual meeting in November 1974 the Trust dedicated itself to the preservation of all forms of architecture reflecting the culture and heritage of Newfoundland, and to the enhancement of street patterns and streetscapes, linking social and preservation concerns.

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS

To encourage an appreciation of our built heritage, the Trust has undertaken numerous special projects.

In cooperation with the City of St. John’s the annual event Windows on the West is held each year during St. John’s Days in June. The Newman Wine Vaults is one of the destinations for this unique, guided walking tour.

Doors Open Days are held each year across the province, creating interest and awareness within each participating community for local historic sites. The Trust has been involved with Doors Open since it was brought to Newfoundland in 2003.

In its early days, school essay contests were held; treasure hunts coincided with St. John’s Day; and poster contests were aimed at increasing public awareness of built heritage.

A plaquing program for structures in old St. John’s was initiated in 1988 to commemorate historical figures of note. A brochure mapping these buildings was produced in conjunction with this project. This brochure provides another interesting walking guide of the city.

In 1988, the Trust’s Time Capsule Project was launched. This project allowed participating families and groups to place personal mementos and documentation in a sealed box for the benefit of future generations. One hundred and seven plastic containers were bricked into a city wall at the City Hall Annex on June 22, 1990, not to see the light of day until the bi-centennial of municipal government in 2088.

The Trust once operated retail outlets at both Signal Hill and the former Newfoundland Museum, an arrangement that eventually led to the creation of the Historic Parks (now sites) Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

RESTORATION PROJECTS

The Trust has been involved in a number of major restoration efforts in St. John’s. In addition to Christ Church there was involvement in Anderson House (Powers Court) and the Murray Premises. Anderson House, one of the oldest buildings in St. John’s, was in a state of bad repair in the early seventies. The Trust purchased the building in 1976 and leased the property, after which it was restored.

The Murray Premises, which dates to the mid-1800s, were in danger of demolition in the mid-1970s. Through the Trust's efforts the St. John’s Heritage Foundation obtained an option on the property and arranged for its restoration.

In 1997 the Newman Wine Vaults, owned by the Provincial government, was restored with the support of  the Newfoundland Historic Trust, and the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since that time the Trust has operated this Provincial Historic Site seasonally for daily tours, and throughout the year for event rentals.

SHOWS, LECTURES AND TOURS

The Trust has mounted a wide range of special events promoting material culture. Lectures on “Tracing the Roots of Your Home” and “Historic Buildings in Halifax Urban Design”, early motion picture screenings, heritage fashion shows, antique exhibits and courses on Buying and Rehabilitating an Old House are a few of the many interpretive projects the Trust has tackled over the years.

Events such as Wine and Words and Shakespeare by the Sea draw visitors to the Vaults for these well-known and much-loved performances.

Other unique performances can be seen at the Vaults and the Trust is committed to its goal of educating the public about heritage issues. More lectures and seminars are being planned.

If you have any topics you would like to hear about contact us with your suggestions.