History House/Museum

Torbay requires a history house/museum to meet the Town's cultural and historic needs, to build community pride, and increase tourist potential by marketing the many features of the Town.
Torbay requires a history house/museum to meet the Town's cultural and historic needs, to build community pride, and increase tourist potential by marketing the many features of the Town.
Share photos of the priest's house, the site of the History House and Museum or share historic photos and stories that helped shape Torbay.
Help us restore this heritage site by sharing any historic photos of the priest's house that can be used as reference during construction and renovation of the project. Share stories and photos of historic moments and memories that helped shape the history of Torbay
- There are no stories to display. Why don't you share one?
Who's listening
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Phone 709-437-6532 Email dlawrence@torbay.ca -
Phone 709-233-0537 Email bwinter@torbay.ca -
Phone 7094376532 Email jreddy@torbay.ca
Videos
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Document Library
Life Cycle
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Complete Sustainability Plan
History House/Museum has finished this stageCompleted on February 16, 2018
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Renovation and restoration funding awarded
History House/Museum has finished this stageAwarded July 22, 2019
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Interpretation funding awarded
History House/Museum has finished this stageAwarded September 5, 2019
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Issue Request for Proposals for Project Manager
History House/Museum has finished this stageIssued October 30, 2019
Closed November 29, 2019
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Award Project Manager Contract
History House/Museum has finished this stagePresented to and accepted by council on March 9, 2020
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Review of Operational Model and Governance Model by committee
History House/Museum has finished this stagePublic Engagement Sessions scheduled for August 2020
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Renovation, restoration, and interpretation
History House/Museum is currently at this stageWork has commenced on components of the renovation and restoration. The exterior renovation portion of the project is underway with interior plans being drafted.
Anticipated 9-12 month timeline.
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Develop Marketing Strategy
this is an upcoming stage for History House/Museum
FAQs
- The original plans (concepts shared with the public in 2017) had a couple of performance rooms included. Is there still plans for that type of space where performances can be offered?
- Will there be provisions on the exterior as well for performances, like a small stage for example?
- I understand that there’s an outdoor veranda as well, correct?
- During the public discussions (back in 2017), it was mentioned that there possibly could be an amphitheatre in the gardens as well as restoring an old veranda. It would be a good spot for lectures with seating outside. Is this still being considered?
- The Torbay Museum acquired a large collection of Mummers. Is this collection is being worked into the interpretation plan and business of the History House and Museum. I think the mummering aspect has real marketing potential. What are your thoughts?
- I am wondering about the interior restoration. Will the original floorplan that was recommended by the consultants (in 2017) be adhered to? Will the current layout of the rooms stay ‘as-is’?
- The consultant (2017) indicated the original wood clapboard was under the current vinyl siding and it may be salvageable. This is the same with the wooden wall/fence around the property. Are these going to be considered?
- There was a monetary donation by a local family for the building development with specifics on how to use the funds. The requirements around how we adhere to this are incorporated correct?
- Going back to the white wooden fence (around the property); in my opinion it takes away from the view. Is there significant historic value?
- Are there plans for the town of Torbay to designate this structure as a municipal heritage structure and have you inquired with Heritage NL about applying for provincial heritage designation?
- It should be listed on the provincial register. The Province lists provincial, municipal and federal designations on their online register. It would be a good idea to let them know if its registered municipally or not and to add to their register.
- There was a void of information from 2017 until now. I understand that it’s a lengthy process especially waiting for funding. Torbay Folk Arts Council formed a Heritage Sub-Committee that would like to be engaged to voice ideas and help promote.
- There is an interest from people to be involved in the marketing, to help make it a viable destination. The Torbay Folk Arts Programs may be a good fit with (programs at) History House. Can you comment on involvement?
- I recommend reaching out to Penny Rowe, a member of the Community Sector Council. When recruiting for the Board of Directors, it’s important to rely on the Community as a resource and to pick subject matter experts and representation from various sectors.
- Development of the Board that is entangled with a Town or municipality is tricky. The Board of Directors should have been in place before development started. It should be more up front in the priority list and be in place before work is finished.
- It seems like all the basis are being covered. What is the deadline for the Board of Director Call for positions and how will it (the facility) be staffed?
- Where are the museum collections being stored now and how?