Left to Die by Gary Collins
Date: Apr 11
2:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Coffee & Culture
2024 marks the 110th Anniversary of the historic convergence of ice, seals, and men in late March 1914 and the grim reminder of the dangers of the hunt.
Join award-winning author, Gary Collins as he shares his personal connection to the dramatic stories of men, both young and old, from all over the province that year to pursue the annual seal hunt. Among the vessels that took them to the ice was the S.S. Newfoundland, a wooden-walled steamship captained by Westbury Kean. With no wireless aboard the ship, the stage was set for seventy-eight of the men who went over the side and their fates sealed.
Tickets: $12 (plus HST). Free for Rooms Members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090. Includes admission to the exhibitions and a coffee from The Rooms Café.
About the Author:
Gary Collins was born in Hare Bay, Bonavista North. He spent fifty years in the logging and sawmilling business with his father, Theophilus, and son, Clint. Gary was once Newfoundland’s youngest fisheries guardian. He managed log drives down spring rivers for years, spent seven seasons driving tractor-trailers over ice roads and the Beaufort Sea of Canada’s Western Arctic, and has been involved in the crab, lobster, and cod commercial fisheries. In 2016, he joined the Canadian Rangers.
Gary has written numerous books, including the award-winning children’s illustrated book; What Color is the Ocean, which he co-wrote with his granddaughter, Maggie Rose Parsons.
Gary’s first novel, The Last Beothuk, won the inaugural NL Reads literary competition, administered by the CBC, and was long-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award.
Gary’s latest work, Away from My Island: The True Story of Eliza Gill is a story of family, heroism, and ultimate sacrifice
Today's Events & Programs
Embroidered Holiday Card Workshop
Join us for a special holiday workshop! Learn to make your own embroidered “Happy Holidays” cards featuring a festive wreath and greeting. Your friends and family will love this thoughtful, handmade gift.
Fun for all skill levels.
What to expect:
- All materials and instruction are provided
- Tour the holiday trees and décor around the building (photo opportunity)
- Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate while you create
- Leave with a set of embroidered holiday cards
Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
Growing the Voices – Festive Instant Choir
Growing the Voices is back at The Rooms! Everyone is welcome to join the Festive Instant Choir and sing to your heart’s content.
Cost: Free. No ticket required.
Bring your family, friends, and visitors!
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.
A Christmas Tradition – Kevin Major: The House of Wooden Santas
A Christmas tradition is back by popular demand!
Join author Kevin Major for a fireside conversation and a reading of The House of Wooden Santas followed by a Q&A, as well as a visit to see all 24 Santas.
The House of Wooden Santas is a deeply felt story about belief in oneself and others, and the spirit of the season. Kevin shares how the carvings of Imelda George led him to write this Christmas classic, photographed by Ned Pratt.
Cost: Adult $12 (+HST), Child/Youth $6 (+HST). Free for Rooms Members. Ticket includes admission to The Rooms galleries. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
The House of Wooden Santas book is available for purchase in The Rooms Giftshop.