Who We Are

The Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (HSA) is a non-profit and charitable organization led by a volunteer board of directors, with a mandate to present the province’s history and heritage.

Some of the HSA's many initiatives include: Heritage Fairs for students, Bartlett Lectures, Manning Awards for Excellence, and the Dr. Paul O'Neill Scholarship. The HSA also partners with Parks Canada to enhance the National Historic Sites of Canada in the province through special events and projects.

Funding for heritage projects is provided by revenue generated from sales at the Heritage Shops.  This retail operation also supports the HSA's mandate by presenting Newfoundland and Labrador's culture through a wide variety of local art, craft, gifts, and books.

Current Initiatives

  • Annual school and regional Heritage Fairs across the province

  • Administration of the Ambassador Program

  • Financial Support for the Signal Hill Tattoo military re-enactments

  • Biannual Bartlett Lecture sharing the history of Captain Bob Bartlett

  • Manning Awards for Excellence and Dr. Paul O’Neill Scholarship

  • Publication of books related to the National Historic Sites of Canada

  • Supporting local craftspeople through the Heritage Shops

  • Sponsoring the Craft Award for Interpretation of Provincial History

  • Sponsoring the Heritage and History Book Award

Select Past Contributions

  • Funding for historic costumes and equipment for an interpretation program at Queen’s Battery Barracks on Signal Hill 2018

  • Funding for research and manufacture of interpretive panels for WWII bunkers at Cape Spear 2018

  • Funding for the 2017 Port au Choix Gourmet Festival

  • Heart’s Content 150th Anniversary Atlantic Cable Symposium 2016

  • Support for WWI Commemorations at Signal Hill 2016

  • Operation of Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site from 1994-2015

  • Translation of “Red Bay Underwater Archaeology Report” Volumes

  • Grant supporting L’Anse aux Meadows Viking living history program

  • “Meeting of Two Worlds” bronze sculpture at L’Anse aux Meadows

  • “Celebrating Bartlett” pan-provincial celebration

  • Viking Millenium International Symposium

  • Special uniform fund for the Signal Hill Tattoo

  • Financial support for renovation of Signal Hill Visitor Centre

  • Contributed to aboriginal interpretation at L’Anse aux Meadows

  • Refurbishment of the interior of Cabot Tower on Signal Hill

  • Reconstruction of the Queen’s Battery Barracks

  • Supported aboriginal dig at L’Anse aux Meadows

  • Provided interpretive signage at Port au Choix

  • Restoration of the Cape Spear Lighthouse dome

  • Fundraised for the restoration of Hawthorne Cottage

  • “Newfoundland – A Place Called Home” Collection