Passing of William Hogan
Tom O'Keefe, president of the Placentia Area Historical Society has issued the following statement:
I would like to express my condolences to his family and friends on the passing of William Hogan and also the condolences of the Placentia Area Historical Society. Bill was a great mayor that did much for our community recognizing the importance of our history to the town’s economic development and did much to support it. This including developing a plan for the renewal of the town square including a plan for the former convent to be a cultural hub, the establishment of the cultural interpretation office, the collection of oral histories and negotiating a relationship with Memorial University to promote the establishment of a Placentia Institute of Newfoundland Studies. He also started the twinning between Placentia NL and Plentzia in Spain and supported the archaeological digs in Placentia. Not all continued or got completed because of lack of funds or the same attention of those who followed Bill. Because of his interest in history, he received a heritage award from the historical society. May he rest in peace.
Heart to Harp
Atlantic Charter 80th. Anniversary
On Saturday, August 14, 2021 a dinner was held at the Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre to celebrate the 80th. Anniversary of Atlantic Charter agreed to between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill off Ship Harbour, Placentia Bay on August 14 1941. Due to COVID-19, the event was not open to the general public, however it was recorded and will be shared on the Town’s site. Those in attendance had the pleasure of sharing
Archaeology Student
MUN Archaeolody Grad Student,Colleen Tambkyn, will be available in St. Luke's Church for the month of July to share information about ceramics found at Fort Louis. She can also share information about Fort Louis.She will be available week days from 9 am to 4pm with a lunch break at 12 noon. This has been arranged by the Placentia Area Archaeology Committee. The public is invited to drop in and see Colleen.
St. Luke's Anglican Church
On October 19, an event was held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Placentia to deconsecrate the church and turn it over to the Placentia Area Historical Society.
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.