Preserving Gravestones
On August 13, Dale Jarvis, of Heritage NL presented a workshop on gravestones in the former St. Luke’s church in Placentia. The site is what is probably one of the oldest graveyards in Newfoundland. The goal of the workshop was to inform people on how to properly look after gravestones. It was sponsored by the Placentia Area Historical Society. Dale Jarvis was assisted by Andrea O’Brien in the presentation.
Information that came out of the presentation indicates the some of the actions taken to preserve or restore
Virtual Tour Launched
The Placentia Area Historical Society has launched a virtual tour of the O'Reilly House Museum highlighting over 450 years of history. This is done with 360 degree pictures so you can move around each room and focus in on items you want to see in more detail as you move through the whole building. This was done by students we have on in the museum this summer so we can be open as usual to the public seven days a week. We are open 9 to 12 and 1 to 4:30 until August 28 and open 5 days a week after that until October 9. Here is a link to the tour: https://www.theasys.io/viewer/D8KmMXpA6J8KB5cLVLA5CJtulvMfuf/
War Memorial Anniversary
June 3 is the 100th Anniversary of the unveiling of the Sacred Heart World War I Memorial located in front of the Catholic Church in the Town Square in Placentia.
In lieu of a public gathering to commemorate the anniversary, because of Covid-19. a few members of the Royal Canadian Legion attended the Memorial in the morning of June 3 to place a wreath and observe a moment of silence.
2019 Tea Party
Maryanne Counsel cuts cake Award to PADA
Museum staff with president Tom O'Keefe (left)
The Annual Tea Party of the Placentia Area Historical Society was held August 10, 2019. As usual there was a good turnout with some ladies coming dressed in their fancy hats and long dresses. The museum staff were all in costumes from an earlier period; Music was provided by The Milley Family and Bill Carroll. Sara Hickey of Dunville who is a member of the world renowned Shallaway Youth Choir also sang a couple of songs. Young Maryanne Counsel cut the cake in preparations for the serving of refreshments. The Heritage Award this year was presented to the Placentia Area Development Association for their support of history and assistance to the historical society. President John Maher accepted the award.
2018 Tea Party
On August 11 the Placentia Area Historical Society held another successful tea party on the lawn of the O'Reilly House Museum. Heritage Awards this year were presented to Marine Atlantic for installing an exhibit of the Argentia at War display in their terminal building at Argrentia and to the Placentia Rowing Club for their recognition and celebration of the Placentia Lions Crew on the 40 anniversary of their walk to St. John's carrying their boat to the Royal St. John's Regatta.
Changes to Museum
2017 Tea Party held
2017 Tea Party
Plans are being made for the holding of the 2017 Tea Party and presentation of Heritage Awards by the Placentia Area Historical Society.