Mummering on Trial: Custom and Controversy
Date: Dec 7
2:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Mummers Festival
In the 1800s, mummers in Newfoundland had a reputation for rowdy and violent behaviour that threw the custom into controversy. Local men regularly appeared in court accused of committing assaults and other offences while disguised as mummers. Commentators hotly debated the custom’s role in society, how it influenced Newfoundland’s reputation in the world, and what should be done about it—the kind of questions that still spark discussion around mummering today!
The Rooms Provincial Archives holds records of more than 30 criminal cases involving mummers, most dating from the 1830s to the 1870s. In this presentation, Joy Fraser explores the stories they tell about the custom and the controversy it created.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.
This program is in collaboration with The Mummer’s Festival.
Today's Events & Programs
In celebration of International Women’s Day this year, The Rooms is bringing back our “Beyond the Trenches” tour on March 7th and March 8th.
Visitors will be brought through our level 2 Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery and learn about the contributions made by Newfoundland women at home and overseas during the First World War. Not only were these contributions vital to the war effort but became an integral part of women in Newfoundland winning the right to vote in 1925 – an event which celebrated its 100th anniversary in April of 2025. Join us and hear about their stories, experiences, and the various roles they played as the war carried out from 1914 to 1918.
This tour is approximately 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
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 12:30 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Caregivers must stay with their children throughout the session.
The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members.
With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.