Taking part in the tour of Collins’ Museum in Embree were (from left) Embree Town Councillor Don Bennett, Lewisporte MHA Wade Verge, museum owner Edward Collins and Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Clyde Jackman. Karen Wells photos

For the past 10 years Edward Collins has dedicated his evenings, weekends and holidays towards a museum project that he wants nothing from except for people to have a place to appreciate and enjoy local history.

Mr. Collins opened the doors to Collins' Museum in 1999. He has also constructed a public picnic area, sometimes working into the midnight hour with a pick and shovel to get the work done after completing his own regular workday.

For some years now he has been hoping to have a meeting with the Minister of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation to discuss his plans for the future development of the museum.

Lewisporte MHA Wade Verge helped make that meeting possible recently when he arranged for Minister Clyde Jackman to tour Collins' Museum.

"I have to commend you for the commitment you have put into this," Mr. Jackman said to Mr. Collins. "To think that there's somebody out there using a pick and shovel at 11:30 at night to make sure that this kind of thing happens.

"You are no doubt known in the area for your interest in maintaining and preserving the culture and the heritage of the area."

Mr. Jackman was impressed by the array of items Mr. Collins has collected over the years including various religious paraphernalia to a vest from the Coaker FPU days.

"He's gathered up some pretty unique artifacts there that otherwise might have been discarded," the Minister said. "One of the particular photos there I commented on. We resettled from our community in 1968 and I can remember leaving and it is still pretty clear in my mind that there were three pictures in our shed or storehouse that were our family ancestors and they didn't go with us - we didn't see any value in it at the time, but they're probably worth millions to us now if we could get our hands on it. In this particular case, Edward has preserved things like that, that might otherwise have gone by the wayside."

Mr. Collins said he is very hopeful something positive will come from the meeting with Mr. Jackman. His plan is to backfill an area on the shore side across from his current museum (100 x 125 metres) and construct a building (85 x 75 metres). He would also like to be able to have grants to be able to hire summer students to ensure the museum is open throughout the summer. Right now the museum is only open when Mr. Collins is off work or when the Town of Embree can spare their summer student for a day here and there.

Mr. Jackman said, "I've learned in politics never to say, 'Yes, you're definitely getting something', but I'm certainly open to going back and taking a look to see if there's some way we can coordinate through departments or a marketing division of the area and see if there is a possibility to do something here."

Mr. Verge extended appreciation to the Minister for taking the time and interest to visit Collins' Museum, and recognize the personal investment Mr. Collins has made in the museum.

"We recognize that Edward would love to have a building put here some day so he can properly display all the artifacts and culture and history he has in there," said Mr. Verge. "I commend him for having that dream. I look forward to some day seeing that dream become a reality.

"I'm not here to make any commitment, nor is the Minister, we came to view the facility. Still, there's nothing saying that some day the means couldn't be found so he could have a building on this site. I certainly would love to see that happen."

Embree Town Counillor Don Bennett was there to accompany the Minister on his tour. He is also hopeful that Mr. Collins will see his dream become a reality one day.

"It's about time he's gotten some help with this," said Mr. Bennett. "Edward has spent a lot of his own time and money on this and we (Embree Council) are backing him up 100 per cent in his efforts."