The Story of Mary Dohey's Cross of Valour
Date: Mar 26
2:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Coffee & Culture
Born in Saint Bride's, Newfoundland in 1933, and raised in Red Head Cove, Mary Dohey was the first living person, and first woman to receive the Cross of Valour Award. This is Canada?s highest award for civilian bravery, and was presented to Mary on December 1st, 1975. She was honoured with this award after she put her own life in danger in order to save the lives of fellow staff, and passengers on a DC-8 aircraft flying from Calgary, Alberta. Mary Dohey trained as a psychiatric nurse before becoming a flight attendant with Trans-Canada Air Lines (today Air Canada). On November 12, 1971 Mary put that training to use as she talked down an armed hijacker. During an eight hour ordeal Mary discouraged the man from taking any other violent measures. Mary?s act of bravery in the face of such danger saved the lives of over 200 people. Mary returned to her work as a flight attendant, retiring in 1991, and passing away in 2017 at the age of 83. Join Curator of History Maureen Power to learn more about Mary's story, and see the Cross of Valour Award on display at The Rooms. 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 for a delightful morning at The Rooms!
Bring your little ones to our enchanting Harbour View Room for unguided playtime surrounded by an array of toys and books tailored for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4.
No prior registration is necessary; simply pay your admission at The Rooms front desk and drop in anytime between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that caregivers must accompany their children throughout the session. While our program room can accommodate up to 20 adults with their little ones, if it reaches capacity, we kindly ask caregivers to momentarily step back to make room for others to join in the fun.
The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members.
With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.
Did you know the forget-me-not flower holds a special meaning in Newfoundland and Labrador? It is a proud symbol of remembrance for The Royal Newfoundland Regiment, particularly those lost at Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme.
What to Expect During This Workshop:
- Tour Level 2 Museum: Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou
- Embroider a bouquet of forget-me-nots to remember those who served
- All supplies, including hoops, threads, needles, and fabrics, will be provided
Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online!
Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador
Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
Sergeant Gander: A Soldier's Soldier – Film Screening and Q&A
US Army Vietnam Veteran JP Bear shares his research and presents a short film honoring Sergeant Gander, a Newfoundland Dog and mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada during World War II.
Sergeant Gander was a member of “C” Force during the Battle of Hong Kong and died in combat. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal – often called the “animals’ Victoria Cross” – for bravery.
A Q&A will follow the screening of the 11-minute film SGT Gander: A Soldier's Soldier.
Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Join Newman Sound Choir for its annual Remembrance Day performance, a touching evening of music and reflection generously supported by The Elinor Gill Ratcliffe Foundation.
This cherished tradition offers a time of music and reflection as we honour all those who have served, and continue to serve, in times of conflict.
With special guest tenor Jeffrey Taylor, the concert features moving choral performances and thoughtful words of remembrance that pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have defended peace and freedom.
Cost: $30 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.