An Introduction to the Carbonear Heritage Society Major renovations have now begin on the Carbonear Railway Museum. These renovations will include new roofing, siding, along with a new deck. The interior will be completely re-done, along with electrical up-grades. Landscaping around the building will see much improvement, including a paved parking lot. This is all part of the Carbonear Island Development plan, where by the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments have offered a total of $261,673 in funding, that will also include a New Exhibit on Carbonear Island and its history. The the Carbonear Heritage Society is looking with anticipation to the renovations and the New Exhibit, it first since its "Going Foreign" exhibit which opened during 1999. It is also hoped that an archaeological dig will take place this summer, which will become part of the exhibit. The society is expecting another busy year, with a major family reunion taking place this summer. The 2010 Bemister Family Reunion with take place in Carbonear August 6 to 8, 2010. This will be bring around 200 people in from all over North America. As well, the popular Carbonear Walking Tours are also leaving from the station again this summer. Nicholas Guy On March 27th, a Baby Shower was in Cupids for the first Enlgish baby born in Canada. He was born to Nicholas Guy, who later became the founder of Carbonear. The exact date when the Guy family arrived in Carblonear is not known; however, in 1631 they were happily settled in Carbonaer. In that year, Nicholas wrote a letter to Sir Percival Willoughby, who was the financial backer of the colony, telling Willoughby that he had made a profit of 100 pounds on his year's work. More informaiton abouthe Baby Showerfor Charity > > About Carbonear With its landmark island, its harbour and its streetscapes, Carbonear boasts beautiful vernacular architecture, so in 1979, when it appeared that possibly one of its historic properties was being sold and its fate undecided, a group of concerned citizens met and made a commitment to protect and preserve the heritage of their town. On February 19th, 1979, the Carbonear Heritage Society was formed with an affirmation 'to protect and preserve Carbonear's natural and built heritage.' This small group would be responsible for raising the heritage consciousness of the community. As with any new group in the early stages of its development, a constitution, charitable organization status, membership and fund-raising projects would need to be put in place. These were planned, improvised, and undertaken with any and all available resources. The society became a member of other umbrella groups within the heritage sector and could therefore avail of numerous workshops on issues pertinent to heritage preservation The Society now has a permanent home in the "Carbonear Railway Station." This building is open every summer during July and August. The Society meets here monthly and all persons interested in preserving the history of Carbonear are welcome to attend or become members.
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