REAL HISTORY. REAL TIME.
With every scrape of an archaeologist’s trowel, stirring of a pot, or planting of a seed, we’re coming a little bit closer to understanding the history of the Colony and the lives of the people who lived here.
Established in 1621 by Sir George Calvert (the First Lord Baltimore), the Colony of Avalon is widely recognized as the best preserved early English colonial site in North America. Today, on-going work at the Colony is changing the way we understand that past.
Think early Newfoundlanders lived in hovels on a diet of fish, fish and more fish? Think all Catholics were persecuted and women were second class citizens? Think again! Imagine a place where substantial stone and timber-frame houses lined a “prettie” cobblestone street, where protestants AND catholics worshipped in peace, and a woman held most of the power!
Join our on-going quest to uncover the Colony. It’s all happening right here, right now, right before your eyes.
CHECK OUT WHAT WE’VE DISCOVERED.
Our work has unearthed a portion of Calvert’s mansion, the remains of a bakery/brewhouse, cobblestone street, warehouse, forge, well, sea wall, a sea-flushed privy and close to two million artifacts. Pretty impressive considering archaeologists have uncovered just over a third of Calvert’s original 4 acre site.
EVENT LISTINGS
We always have something going on. Bring yourself, or bring the whole family. We’ll keep you entertained.
Activities for the kids, an update from our archaeologists, 17th century cooking, local music, and a whole lot more. Check out what’s on the go by clicking on our calendar to the right.
- Come Dig!
Thursday Jun 29th - Read More
- August 19, 2017: Exploring Colour in the 17th Century
Thursday Jun 15th - Discover the magical world of 17th century colour and create you very own dyed masterpiece using local and exotic nautral dyes.
- Read More
- July 15, 2017: Botanicals of Newfoundland: 17th century raised embroidery
Thursday Jun 15th - Join guest instructor and award winning textile artist Susan Furneaux as she guides you through an introduction to this historic art.
- Read More
See For Yourself