Craft at Risk: Make a Birch Broom


Date: Oct 15
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Art Gallery Classroom
Craft at Risk

Have you ever been told your hair looks like a birch broom in the fits?

Join father-daughter duo Richard and Michelle Park to make your own mini birch broom! Birch broom making, the process of “running” a broom from one continuous piece of birch, was listed as Endangered in the 2024 Craft at Risk List.

Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. All materials included. Register online!

About the presenters:
Richard Park is a retired teacher who was first exposed to the birch broom in 1957 while teaching in the community of Fox Roost-Margaree. Later, in 1979 in Francois, he learned the skills to make birch brooms from a fisherman in the community. He has been making birch brooms since, including many as gifts.

Michelle Park is a retired history teacher with an interest in local history and folklore. Since the age of 10, she has watched her father make birch brooms as gifts for family and friends, as well as for the family’s own use. Michelle worked with Richard as part of Heritage NL’s Mentor-Apprentice Program. The pair also offered a Build Your Own Birch Broom (BYOBB) program at the Gillams Historical Society Museum on Wednesdays in August 2022.

Presented in partnership with Heritage NL.

Today's Events & Programs

10:30 am - 11:30 am

TOTS: Big Fun for Little People is filled with laughter, wonder, and precious bonding time for you and your tot! Specifically designed for toddlers aged 1–4, this program invites younger siblings to join in the fun as well.

What to Expect:

  • Engaging Songs
  • Enchanting Stories
  • Playful Free Play

Cost: $60 plus HST for the six-week session (registration includes 1 caregiver and up to 2 children). 10% discount for Rooms members. Includes admission to exhibitions.

Please note: All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Register online to secure your spot now for our 6-week program packed with excitement and learning.

Program Schedule:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026|
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Tuesday, February 24, 2026

With support from Tom and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Playdate

Join us for a delightful afternoon 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 1:30 pm and 3:30 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.