Become a Member!
Become Part of Our Story.
The Colony of Avalon is proud to be a community-based, not-for-profit archaeological organization where internationally recognized archaeological research meets community pride. While our discoveries are recognized around the world, our roots remain firmly planted on Newfoundland’s Southern Shore.
The Colony of Avalon was founded on the vision of Dr. James Tuck, who believed this extraordinary archaeological site should be a community-owned resource that would preserve our shared heritage while creating lasting opportunities for rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, that vision continues under the archaeological leadership of Dr. Barry Gaulton, who has dedicated more than 35 years to uncovering and interpreting the Colony’s remarkable history. It is further strengthened through the stewardship of a volunteer Board of Directors, chaired by Dr. Tuck’s daughter, Laura Tuck, whose leadership reflects an enduring commitment to preserving the Colony of Avalon as the community-owned resource her father envisioned. More than 35 years later, that vision continues to guide everything we do.
Thanks to the support of our members, donors, volunteers, visitors, and community, the Colony of Avalon continues to make discoveries that are reshaping what we know about Newfoundland and Labrador’s past. This past year, archaeologists uncovered the province’s first known wampum beads, reopened the first major investigation into the Beothuk occupation at Ferryland in decades, and continued to share the remarkable story of Lady Sara Kirke, one of North America’s first and most successful female entrepreneurs.
The Colony of Avalon demonstrates what is possible in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. In a community of just 371 people, we have become an internationally recognized archaeological destination, one of the Southern Shore’s largest seasonal employers, and an award-winning attraction, proudly earning the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. This recognition places the Colony of Avalon shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s most celebrated visitor attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. It is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to what can be accomplished by a small outport that is mighty in history, heritage, and heart.
Today, the Colony of Avalon welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world each year and provides meaningful employment for over 20 local staff and students, demonstrating how archaeology, heritage, and tourism can help strengthen rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
For more than 35 years, the Colony of Avalon has welcomed archaeology students from across Canada and around the world, providing hands-on field experience that has helped launch careers in archaeology, conservation, museums, heritage, and related fields. We are equally proud to inspire local students to pursue careers in these disciplines, ensuring that the next generation of archaeologists, conservators, museum professionals, educators, and heritage leaders continues to tell Newfoundland and Labrador’s story.
Only about 40 percent of the Colony of Avalon has been excavated. Countless discoveries still lie beneath our feet, waiting to tell their story.
Join us as a member and help uncover the next chapter in the story of the Colony of Avalon.
Membership is more than unlimited admission. It is an investment in archaeology, education, the future of rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and the preservation of one of North America’s greatest archaeological treasures.
Thank you for becoming a member of the Colony of Avalon. Your support helps preserve our shared heritage, advance archaeological research, inspire future generations, and ensure that the stories of this remarkable place continue to be uncovered, protected, and shared for generations to come. Together, we are carrying forward Dr. James Tuck’s vision through the archaeological leadership of Dr. Barry Gaulton, the stewardship of our volunteer Board of Directors, and the continued support of members like you, enriching rural Newfoundland and Labrador through archaeology, education, tourism, and discovery.
