Superstition & Magic: Household Protection through History


Date: Nov 24
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Art Gallery Classroom
Workshop

Spooky Season might be behind us, but not long ago, people tried to protect their homes from evil spirits all year round!

Join us to learn about the history of magical house protection, and the objects, symbols, and practices that people used across Europe and North America to keep themselves safe.

The adult workshop includes a visit to This Place: Our Lives on Land and Sea to see some objects from our collections, followed by a hands-on workshop to learn basic embroidery stitches and create a protective symbol of your own (or to gift for Christmas!)

All materials and a refreshment break of coffee and a muffin are included in the cost.

Cost: $40 plus HST per person. 10% discount for Rooms Members.

Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. No experience needed. To register, please call 709-757-8090.

Today's Events & Programs

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Program

Get hands-on with our province’s plants, animals, and wild spaces at The Rooms with Nature NL!

Nature Nook is a monthly session where you can interact with real specimens like seal pelts, skulls, whale baleen, antlers, moose fur, and a variety of rocks and minerals. Learn more about nature and ask volunteers all your questions about Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife.

Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Program

Step into a world of family fun at The Rooms! Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and connection for the whole family. This month’s activity: ornament making.

Feeling festive? Create two ornaments — one to take home, and one to add to a special holiday tree at The Rooms, on display throughout the season.

Explore The Rooms Giftshop for holiday shopping, grab a treat at the café, and enjoy the building's beautiful decorations.
Don’t miss the Bishop Field School Choir performing in the atrium at 2 pm!

Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Workshop

Let your kids dive into a world of creativity while you tackle your holiday to-do list. In this fun and festive workshop, children aged 8–11 will explore the magic of printmaking and craft up to 12 one-of-a-kind holiday cards to share with family and friends.

Highlights include:

  • A special visit to the Wooden Santas and The Rooms’ dazzling holiday decorations
  • Hands-on printmaking activities—no experience needed
  • A cozy hot chocolate break to warm up and recharge

Just bring your holiday spirit—we’ll take care of the rest!

Cost: $40 per person plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

All workshop materials are included in the cost, but this workshop may get messy—appropriate clothing is recommended.

The Rooms Gift Shop will be open for your holiday shopping experience.

 

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Performance

Join the Bishop Feild Elementary Choir as they sing in the season with your favourite holiday songs.

Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).

2:30 pm - 3:00 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.

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Mummers Festival

Please note: this program has been rescheduled from December 3, 2025. To attend this new date, kindly reserve a new ticket. Tickets from December 3 cannot be used. 

The 2025 Mummers Festival features a tradition from Christmas’ long past.

Actors, folklorists, dancers, musicians, and community members join forces in “The Spirit of Mummering,” a collective project presenting the traditional Newfoundland Mummers Play.

Come for the play, learn some traditional Newfoundland dances, and enjoy music by local musicians. Join us as we explore a whole other side of Newfoundland mummering!

Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your seat online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

This program is presented in partnership with the 2025 Mummers Festival. For more information about festival events, visit www.mummersfestival.ca.