Grenfell Historic Properties
The Grenfell Historic Properties are operated by the Grenfell Historical Society, a not-for-profit, registered Canadian Charity.
Grenfell Interpretation Centre
The Centre recounts the life and times of Dr. Grenfell through a gallery of interpretative panelling and displays. A knowledgeable staff greets visitors and provides and orientation. The Centre itself is designed to be self-touring, to provide a modern interpretative experience for visitors. A short 14-minute video is shown daily to visitors to give a brief insight into the life of Dr Grenfell and the work of the Grenfell Mission. A small tea shop is located in the Centre along with the world renowned Grenfell Handicraft Store.
Grenfell House Museum
Built between 1909 and 1910, the home of Dr. Grenfell, his wife Anne, and their three children. Overlooking the harbour, the building was regarded as the “castle”. After Grenfell’s retirement to Vermont, the house became a residence for mission workers. Then, in 1978 the Grenfell Historical Society was formed and the house and surrounding land was turned over to them.Up to 1981, extensive restoration was made to the building before opened to the public as a small museum. Further restoration was made to the inside between 1995-96.
Grenfell Handicrafts
In the tradition of Dr. Grenfell, the handicrafts continue to produce quality merchandise as a cottage industry. Products vary from hooked rugs to hand embroidered outerwear. The origin of Grenfell Handicrafts dates back to the early 1900s when Sir Wilfred Grenfell, an english-born medical doctor and missionary, served among the fisherfolk of northern Newfoundland and Labrador. Today the Grenfell tradition is alive and well at Grenfell Handicrafts which is located in the newly constructed Grenfell Interpretation Centre.
Tea House Hill
Overlooking the town of St. Anthony, a 20 minute walking trail has been developed to National standards. There are interpretative panels and seating along the route to the top of the hill where Dr. Grenfell, his wife and other colleagues are buried. The trail also has three strategically placed viewing platforms overlooking the harbour, ocean and open country behind.
Grenfell Park
The park is located next to the Interpretation Centre and provides a place to relax and have a lunch or let the kids unwind. The park is also the location where many special events take place throughout the year.
The Grenfell Dock
Represents a step back into time. The Dockhouse demonstrates to visitors how vessels of all sizes were pulled out of the water for repairs in the late 1920′s.
The Dockhouse was rebuilt in 1990 by summer students. The original shed consisted of two rooms, one for the haul-up equipment and one, containing a table, chairs, and a stove, was a rest room for the men.
The Rotunda
The best kept artistic secret in Newfoundland and Labrador. A display of ceramic murals that depicts the culture and the history of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Jordi Bonet Murals, created and fabricated by the Montreal artist Jordi Bonet in 1967, are to be found in the Rotunda of the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony.
On entering, the Rotunda through the main doors of the Hospital, one is at once struck by the beauty and harmony of design and colour.
Some of the panels are quite realistic and not difficult to interpret; others are more abstract, but they all have definite meaning relating to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, their life, or the country in which they live.
