Beyond the Attic Genealogy Workshop


Date: Aug 23
9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Reference Room
Come Home Year

 

Excited about finding some Newfoundland and Labrador ancestors? Come Home Year is the perfect chance to get started or continue your family research. This half-day workshop is an introduction to genealogy, with an orientation to the extensive genealogical archival collections at The Rooms. Our expert staff will be your guides through practical online resources that you can use to trace your family tree.

This is an introductory workshop - all skill levels welcome!

Included in the workshop fee:

  • An Introduction to Genealogy Handbook
  • A permanent researcher registration number for The Rooms (Value $10)
  • Light refreshments (tea, coffee and a cookie or muffin from The Rooms Cafe)
  • Orientation tour of the Archives Reference Room
  • A Family History Notebook
  • Access to key genealogy resources to aid your research
  • A voucher for free admission to The Rooms for a return visit to see exhibitions.

Cost is $75 (HST included), 10% discount for members,

Limited spaces! Pre-registration required. To register, please contact Visitor Services at 757-8090. For more information on the workshop schedule and content, please contact Joy Barfoot at joybarfoot@therooms.ca

Masks are encouraged but not required.

Today's Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:15 am

Join Archives Technician Elizabeth Fewer for an exclusive members-only tour of the archives vault.

Go beyond the public displays and explore a fascinating collection of historical diaries, dating from 1862 to the 1930s. These personal records provide a unique glimpse into daily life and winter weather observations of the past.

Cost: $20 plus HST.

Registration: Opens at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Secure your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.

 

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Join Archives Technician Elizabeth Fewer for an exclusive members-only tour of the archives vault.

Go beyond the public displays and explore a fascinating collection of historical diaries, dating from 1862 to the 1930s. These personal records provide a unique glimpse into daily life and winter weather observations of the past.

Cost: $20 plus HST.

Registration: Opens at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Secure your spot by calling (709) 757-8090.

 

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tour

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.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Unleash Your Inner Artist at The Rooms!

Come draw at The Rooms and practice your skills with focused exercises.

What to Expect:
Our experienced instructor will guide you through fundamental drawing techniques. Each session focuses on a different theme, from drawing the harbour view to capturing the details of our natural history collection.

This is a creative and supportive environment; all skill levels and experience are welcome! Designed for ages 15 and up.

Quality drawing supplies are available, or feel free to bring your own sketchbook.

Cost: $20 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Drop-ins welcome!

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Celebrate 20 Years of Stories with Music at The Rooms

Join us for a musical celebration of The Rooms’ 20 Years of Stories.

This performance will honour the season with a rich mix of traditional Newfoundland and Labrador Christmas music, original compositions, and stories deeply rooted in our shared culture. With its emotional resonance, musical excellence, and local voice, this concert aligns perfectly with The Rooms’ mission to preserve and celebrate the stories that shape our province.

Honouring The Rooms’ Legacy Through Song

To reflect the milestone anniversary, the show will feature Echoes in the Halls, an original composition by Linda Hickey and recorded by Hamilton Sound in 2025. This deeply moving piece was inspired by museum spaces and the sacred act of preserving memory. It serves as a tribute to The Rooms’ 20-year commitment to storytelling, curation, and the voices of past and present.

As the festive season draws near, the performance will also include a selection of beloved holiday music, filling the theatre with the warmth and joy of Christmas.

Come immerse yourself in this heartwarming celebration and enjoy the festive cheer—an unforgettable evening to share with family and friends.

Cost: $25 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090. (Does not include admission to the galleries.)