The Colonial Building - 170 Years of History
Date: Jan 29
7:00 pm
- 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre
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The 28th of January, 2020 marks the 170th anniversary of the official opening of the Colonial Building in St. John's - one of the Province's most iconic and storied structures. It is a landmark that has witnessed some of the most important events in Newfoundland and Labrador history including crimes, riots, vandalism and over a century of political drama. On this Engaging Evening, join Greg Walsh - current Provincial Archivist/Director of The Rooms Provincial Archives Division as he recounts the history and significance of the Colonial Building, reveals some little known facts and secrets about the building, and shares special highlights and experiences of working there as an Archivist from 2000 - 2005. ASL/English Interpreting Services are available through NLAD by request only to ASLservices@therooms.ca or 709-757-8090. We will do our best to accommodate requests made within two weeks of the scheduled event.
Events & Programs
Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the Cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow tour, there is something for everyone.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
Fishing for Cod
For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish”.
In Each Other’s Shoes
Learn how shoes are created, fashioned, and crafted for different environments by the people who thrive there. See how cultural identity is displayed through style, design, and decoration.
Join us each day for an interpretive guided tour in one of our galleries. From the story of the Cod fishery to visiting a current art exhibition to a Family Rainbow tour, there is something for everyone.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
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Please join us for a conversation with Sophie Angnatok, an Inuk throat singer and drum dancer from Nain, Nunatsiavut.
Sophie has been practicing the art of throat-singing and traditional Inuit drumming for 20 years and plays an active role within her local urban Inuit community.
Learn about her love of Inuit culture, the knowledge she shares in the community, her relationship with The Rooms, and her experiences in the Inuit drum dance group, Kilautiup Songuninga (Strength of the Drum).
Sophie performed for the Canadian Prime Minister during the Truth and Reconciliation apology for Labradorimut, the Governor General of Canada, and the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2024, she was the inaugural recipient of the Chris Brookes Memorial Award for “artists effecting positive change in the world”.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.