ABOUT US

The town of Heart’s Content, site of the first successful trans-Atlantic cable in 1866, is one of the most historic communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The cable redefined global communications, and was the first step toward the internet world of today. The town has made much progress in protecting and developing its heritage as we move toward becoming a world-class tourist destination. In recent years we’ve seen:

Designation of a Heritage District surrounding the Cable Station by Heritage NL
Restoration of Heyfield Church (1878) by the Mizzen Heritage Society as a performing arts center
Designation of the Heart’s Content lighthouse as a Heritage Lighthouse by the Government of Canada and development of the site by the Town of Heart’s Content
Development of the Transatlantic Park across from the cable station by NL Historic Sites
Restoration of a number of significant heritage homes
Adoption of a municipal Heritage By-Law to designate and guide preservation and development of heritage properties
Restoration of the Rendell Forge (1920s) by the Mizzen Heritage Society.
Ongoing work toward designation of the Cable Station as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Our Projects

In addition, since its inception in 2020, the Heart’s Content Community Development Corporation has actively engaged in community development by

Commissioning an Interpretive Framework and Landscape Development Plan
Producing a self-guided walking tour of the Heritage District
Initiating walking trail upgrades
Initiating an annual Geranium Project
Commissioning a Visitor Experience Plan in conjunction with the Heart’s Content Mizzen Heritage Society
Development of a new Heart’s Content Heritage Centre in conjunction with the Heart’s Content Mizzen Heritage Society
Installing a new Book Exchange
Commissioning a Feasibility Study on the Installation and Operation of an RV Park
Installing The Dawn of Global Communications, an outdoor display of historic paintings by Robert Dudley connected with the landing of the transatlantic cable

Board of Directors

Tim Anderson (Secretary) – Former biologist with Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada. Seasonal resident.

Scott Andrews (ex officio) -Director, Provincial Historic Sites, govNL

Ed Arnott – Retired after lengthy career in education as Teacher and Principal. President of the Mizzen Heritage Society. Resident.

Clarence Brown (Vice-Chair) Retired businessman, Councillor, Town of Heart’s Content. Resident.

Jackie Harnum – Retired after lengthy career in tourism with govNL. Seasonal resident.

Dale Jarvis (ex officio) – Executive Director, Heritage NL

Dave Lough – Various positions with NL Government, Parks Canada and others in community development. Currently Chair of Heritage NL, Vice-Chair of Historic Sites Association of NL. Seasonal resident.

Eileen Matthews (Treasurer) – Former banker, visual artist, founder and past chair of Heritage New Perlican, board member Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation. Native of Heart’s Content.

Mike Middelkoop – Retired Naval Chief, businessman, former councillor Town of Heart’s Content. Resident.

Gerry Osmond (ex officio) – Assistant Deputy minister, Arts and Heritage, govNL

Doug Piercey – Fisherman, boat builder, Mayor of Heart’s Content. Native and resident.

Ted Rowe (Chair) – Retired businessman, founding member and past chair of Historic Sites Assoc of NL, past chair of Newfoundland Historic Trust, past board member of Heritage Canada Foundation, author of two histories of Heart’s Content. Native and seasonal resident.

Gordon Tavenor – Former Deputy Chief, St. John’s Regional Fire Department, businessman, homebuilder and realtor. Past city councilor, Mount Pearl. Native and seasonal resident.

Valerie Whelan – Owner/operator of the Cable House Inn and Cable House Market. Councillor, Town of Heart’s Content. Resident.