42 Years of Helping Heritage Happen
Who we are
The Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (HSA) is a registered charity with a mandate to promote Newfoundland and Labrador’s nationally significant history and heritage. We help make heritage happen by investing, along with Parks Canada and other partners, in nationally significant heritage projects that benefit local communities and the visitor experience.
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.
Misson
The Historic Sites Association presents Newfoundland and Labrador history and heritage through:
Partnership with Parks Canada
A retail operation
Historical outreach projects
To achieve its goals, the HSA regularly contributes funds to projects with Parks Canada and other partners, organizes events, and works independently to present and preserve the heritage and history of the province.
Partnership with Parks Canada
On January 20, 1981, an agreement between Parks Canada and the Newfoundland Historic Trust was established to make the Trust a full Co-operating Association with Parks Canada. The aim of the agreement was to assist Parks Canada in providing services to the public and to generate revenue towards activities supporting Parks Canada’s objectives.
In 1984, the Association branched off from the Historic Trust, and the new name Newfoundland Historic Parks Association (NHPA) was assumed. In 1984, the NHPA was incorporated, dissolving the existing Co-operating Association in favour of establishing a new and separate body to handle the growing number of initiatives and programs. In 1998, the NHPA name was changed to the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A Retail Operation
To support its work, the HSA operates nine Heritage Shops around the province: Cabot Tower, Castle Hill, Cape Spear, L’Anse aux Meadows, Port au Choix, Ryan Premises, Water street, Duckworth Street, and at the St. John’s International Airport. It also operates the Heritage Shop Art Gallery where new and established artists can showcase their work in downtown St. John's. The HSA employs over 55 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff. The HSA supports the local craft industry by purchasing, promoting and selling local craft and gifts. Additionally, the HSA also provides an online store, extending the reach and promotion of NL products.
Board of Directors
To The Historic Sites Association is led by a volunteer board of directors made up of community leaders. Directors are recruited for their professional skills and their desire to enhance the historic places and events in this province. Their interest in preserving NL heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and business savvy have resulted in many successful projects that have kept NL stories alive and have presented NL’s unique place in world history.
Honorary Lifetime Members
1992 - David Blackwood
2008 - Hon. Edward Roberts
2023 - Edna Hall
Current Board Members
David Lough – Chair
Mark Kennedy - Vice Chair
Ian Wallace – Past Chair
Bob Constantine - Treasurer
Rhonda Power - Secretary
Jeff Anderson
John Butler
Sophia Hefferton
Marcus Seaward
Peter Hickman
Doug Letto
Carolyn Lavers
Joan Ritcey
