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  • International Convention at Quebec 1864

  • Canadian Newfoundland Delegation 1895

  • National Convention Delegate The Rooms A 138-38;

  • Newfoundland Delegation to Ottawa The Rooms B 22-52

  • The delegation which negotiated Newfoundland's entry into Confederation

  • Signing of the Terms of Union Between Canada and Newfoundland, 11 December 1948. Courtesy National Archives of Canada (PA-128072)

  • Prime Minster Louis St-Laurent strikes the first line of Newfoundland's Coat-of-Arms in the archway of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill on April 1, 1949. (CP)

  • First Provincial Cabinet The Rooms B 22-50

  • Carrying the first post-confederation Speech from the Throne to Government House from House of Assembly The Rooms A 2-114


Founded in 1905, the Newfoundland & Labrador Historical Society is the oldest non-profit, independent heritage organization in the province.

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All lectures will be held at The Bruneau Centre Lecture Hall at Memorial University and will start at 7:30 pm NST.
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Image of Women Gathering Water by Edith S. Watson

Confederation Correspondents: Letters to Joey Smallwood 1948 – 1951

Terry Bishop-Stirling, Sonja Boon, Andreae Callanan, Heidi Coombs, Joanne Harris, Sheila Hallett and Vicki Hallet.

March 28, 2024

In this roundtable, we look at Confederation through the words of those who lived it.  Drawing on letters written to J.R. Smallwood between 1948 and 1951, we consider how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians understood themselves and their world at the time of Confederation, and what these understandings might mean for us today. Watch the Lecture at:… Read More


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“A Handful of Precious Rebels”: Queer Organizing in 20th Century Newfoundland and Labrador

Rhea Rollman

February 29, 2024

Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich history of queer community-building and activism. Organizing kicked into high-gear 50 years ago with the establishment of the Community Homophile Association of Newfoundland (CHAN), the province’s first formally organized queer activist group. In the ensuing two decades a succession of community groups would form to carry on a bold,… Read More


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ONE MAN’S JOURNEY: The Mi’kmaw Revival in Ktaqmkuk

Elder Calvin White

January 25, 2024

In this online lecture, Mi’kmaw Activist, Chief, and Elder, Calvin White, provides a snapshot of his beliefs and how he was mentored by many people on Indigenous history, responsibilities, philosophy, and world view of his community. Elder White considers this a gift from his ancestors. His experience has allowed him to be able to contribute… Read More


Log Drive, 1919 Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Society

MENTIONED IN SONG: Songs and Stories of Early Twentieth Century Woods Workers of Newfoundland & Labrador

Ursula Kelly & Meghan Forsyth with live performances by Darrel Brenton & Jim Payne

November 30, 2023

This presentation recalls and celebrates NL’s rich history of lumbering and logging as told through the songs, tunes, stories, and photos of our early woods workers. Drawing on archival and new recordings, and including live performances by a local actor and musician, this presentation will highlight various aspects of woods culture on the island and… Read More