The Manning Awards

The Awards are presented in 3 categories:

Outstanding Heritage Project - recognizes excellence in the presentation and promotion of history and heritage. Projects are assessed against the following criteria: innovation, community engagement, contribution to public understanding, effectiveness and impact.

Outstanding Heritage Organization- recognizes demonstrated long-term impact and leadership in the presentation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and heritage.

Outstanding Heritage Supporter - recognizes significant contributions by an individual to Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and heritage throughout the course of their professional or volunteer careers.

2026 Manning Award Winners

2026 Outstanding Heritage Project Award Winner

The Hant’s Harbour Willow Tree Walk

The town of Hant’s Harbour holds a rich history stretching back to the early 17th century. To bring this history to life, the entirely volunteer-run Willow Tree Heritage Society created the Willow Tree Walk - a self-guided audio walking tour.

The WillowTree Walk guides visitors across nine sites. At each stop—from the historic lighthouse tended by generations of the Soper family to the mysterious, moss-covered stones of the Great Wall—The community’s history comes alive.

But what makes this project truly outstanding is the quality of its acoustic storytelling. Collaborations between the WillowTree Heritage Society and the local artistic community resulted in expertly crafted narratives, original music, and professional sound production. While the decision to use residents with deep roots in the community as narrators means listeners are transported through time by local voices.

Through community dedication, artistic collaboration, and deep historical respect, this project ensures that the unique identity of a rural Newfoundland outport is preserved for generations to come.

Since 2017, This dedicated nonprofit has served as the passionate guardian of Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Built entirely of local wood and standing as the largest wooden structure in Newfoundland and Labrador, this Registered Heritage Property is far more than just a beautiful building—it is the very heart of the Port au Port Peninsula.

Through countless hours of volunteer work, the Our Lady of Mercy Committee has ensured that this historic site remains open, safe, and vibrant.

In 2024, their work reached a thrilling milestone when they entered the National Trust for Canada's Next Great Save competition. Competing against historic sites from coast to coast, the committee mobilized a massive wave of community and diaspora support, rallying voters from all over the world to clinch first place and take home the $50,000 grand prize.

With that prize money, the Committee successfully unlocked an additional $145,000 in federal heritage funding for their Centennial Windows Restoration Project, and secured a major $192,000 investment from Federal and Provincial funders for accessibility upgrades, visitor services, and to prepare the site for its 2025 centennial celebrations.

In total, their incredible momentum has channeled over $600,000 back into preserving this provincial treasure.

Nominated for their outstanding contributions to the research and management of Ferryland’s archaeological heritage.

For Neil and Mercedes, 2026 marks 35 years with the Colony of Avalon.

As Field Supervisor, Neil plays a crucial role in the planning and execution of archaeological investigations at Ferryland, focusing on the 1621 Colony of Avalon and succeeding Pool Plantation.

As an employee of the Foundation, Neil works seasonally; however, he is an active steward of the archaeological site year-round - monitoring, managing and mitigating any issues that arise during the 8 months when the site is closed. These are unpaid activities driven by his own initiative and interest, as well as a deep pride in the community’s heritage.

As Laboratory and Collections Manager for the Foundation, Mercedes is responsible for the cataloging, display and storage of the largest and most diverse assemblage of early modern artifacts in Canada. With more than 2 million objects in her care, the responsibility is immense. So is the expertise Mercedes has acquired through decades of work with the collection. Today, her knowledge is sought by scholars across North America and beyond.

Through their life-long experience, fostered and honed in the context of a local, community project, Neil Jordan and Mercedes Johnson exemplify the spirit of the Outstanding Heritage Supporter Award.