Welcoming visitors to take a history lesson

BOYD'S COVE - As of Friday, May 16, visitors to the Boyd's Cove area will once again be able to learn of the Beothuk connection to this province.

This weekend the Beothuk Interpretation Centre will be opening its doors to visitors for its 14th season. Karen LeDrew Day museum Technician/Site Supervisor at the centre said that as of the weekend they will be open to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. until sometime in the fall.

Unlike previous years, Ms. LeDrew-Day was not laid off this past winter. She has been busy since the center closed at the end of last season doing up reports and preparing for this season.

"I have four bus tour companies scheduled already and a number of school groups have already booked in," said Ms. LeDrew-Day.

She said she is in the process of coordinating a spring event for schools that will be held sometime between now and the end of the school year.

"I will be sending letters out to the schools and it will be a first come-first serve basis," said Ms. LeDrew-Day. "The project I am hoping to put off is a mock archaeological dig with the students. I am just finalizing the details now.

"They will actually dig for the replica artifacts."

Ms. LeDrew-Day said she is also planning events to be held for adults throughout the season. She said she is looking forward to another busy season.

"Last year was our busiest season to date and I am hoping the numbers this year will surpass last year," she said. "Last year was an extraordinary season with icebergs and they say it is going to be really good again this year. Of course we are in the ideal location so I am hoping that a lot of people, through word of mouth or because of signage or whatever will stop and visit."

Ms. LeDrew-Day said there seems to be more of an awareness on aboriginal cultures or First Nations people and as a result more people when they find out about the Beothuk presence this province once had, they are intrigued and want to find out more.

She said she is looking forward to finalizing her programs for the upcoming season. More information on the programs will be made available as they are finalized.

Ms. LeDrew-Day said one way to ensure you are kept up on the happenings at the centre is by purchasing a season pass. Season pass holders receive notices of all events that are planned for the centre.

Visitors

So where do most of the visitors to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre originate from?

Ms. LeDrew-Day said that about half their visitors are from this province and the other half hale from all over North America and beyond.

"When I look at visitors from outside the province, we were way up in motor coaches and organized tours last year. Most of those were from outside of Newfoundland and a lot of times from outside of Canada," said Ms. LeDrew-Day. "We also had more people travelling within their own province because of gas prices and the promotions that government does."

Ms. LeDrew-Day said more and more Newfoundlanders are realizing that there is a lot to do right here at home. She said people are travelling on the island and learning more about their our culture.

She said that while there are still people living in the immediate area who have not visited the centre, she said more and more local people are visiting. Ms. LeDrew-Day realizes some people may not be as interested in the Beothuk Culture as others, but she noted that the Beothuk Interpretation Centre is the only Provincial Historic Site from Trinity to the West Coast. The site also boasts a captivating trail that many love to walk and experience the natural beauty of the surroundings, birds and animals.

"Because of articles that have been written in The Pilot in the past or something that has peeked their interest, more people have come," she said. "We also do really well with educational tours from various schools. Because of those students - they go home and tell their parents and then the parents come because of what their child is saying or the enthusiasm of their child."

Ms. LeDrew-Day said people can find out more about the programs at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre by calling (709) 656-3114.

"I am looking forward to a really good season."