The Culture Rooms


Date: Sep 22
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Level 2 & 3 Atrium

Experience what makes the people and this place so unique. MUSIC: When we are not talking, we are singing. And dancing. And having a time. Learn why music runs in our veins and try out an instrument or two yourself. Have you ever played an ugly stick? LANGUAGE: Did you know we have our own dictionary? Become acquainted with local authors. Learn some new words, like sleeveen or callibogus. And discover place names that will make you giggle, such as Come By Chance or Blow Me Down Provincial Park. NATURE: Mother Nature is highly respected here. Her high winds, dense fog, deep snow and horizontal rain have made us a hearty bunch and have defined our fashion sense. Learn about our spectacular hiking trails. Touch a piece of iceberg. And find out what capelin weather is all about. HISTORY: Come find out what brought people to these shores hundreds of years ago and what has made us such a resilient and creative lot. Try your hand at splitting a cod or bring a turn of water. Learn about resettlement and the salt cod trade. GENEALOGY: Many visitors have "roots" in this province. Some come with a clear understanding of where their families came from, while others only know that somewhere in their past there was a generation that started here. This kiosk shows you how to begin!

Today's Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

What can a scrapbook tell us about the lives of young women? How can we use historical documents as inspiration for present projects?

Viola Bown of Bell Island gave her father’s coal delivery ledger a second life by turning it into her scrapbook and titled it “Everywoman’s Notebook,” a scrapbook which can be found in The Rooms large archival collection. Filled with fashion illustrations and knitting patterns, Viola’s scrapbook offers a small but unique glimpse into her world.

Join us for a look at Viola’s scrapbook and a discussion about the process of using one of the patterns featured to make a cozy jacket and cap set from 1933.

Cost: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.