Welcome to the Torbay Museum

The museum was opened because of a group of dedicated individuals who wanted to preserve some of Torbay's rich history. Under the direction of president Dr. Jim Tag and vice-president John Ryan, the committee included - Claire Tapper, Gerald Manning, Genie Tapper, Marie Evans, John Molloy, Frank Ryan, Judy Watts and Don Cole. This group joined together and worked to open a museum that showed the unique heritage and traditional culture of Torbay. The group started what is still known today as the Torbay Heritage Committee. To carry out such a task, they needed to find a curator - someone whose love was preservation and history. Jerri Pellegrinetti fit this position and since then has been the curator for the past ten years. The next step was to get some funding from the Provincial government. This was accomplished in 1988 and then, a new era begins... The symbol of the museum is seen above, the killick, which was used to anchor boats to the seabed.

The setting...

The setting of the museum has grown from its original one-room parlor setting to its present day setting - fishery, carpentry and farming corners, a photo gallery and a parlour room. Some artifacts came from the St. Michael's Convent, which was closed in 1986 and helped to start this museum. The donations from the convent were two stain glass windows, two stain glass doors and a nine-piece chesterfield set dated 1880. Because of this the original room was made to look like the living room of a Torbay house at about the turn of the century.

The employment...

The museum has one seasonal full time worker and usually a summer student (depending on approval of student summer employment grants). Mrs. Jerri Pellegrinetti, a former volunteer at the Newfoundland Museum on Duckworth street and Commissariat House, has always been an avid lover of history and folklore and fills the role as curator with extreme knowledge and intelligence of Torbay history. Volunteers are always welcome and have been an active part of the museum's development through the years.

Some artifacts...

There are many artifacts around the museum, including some that have exceptional history. Probably, the best known artifact in the museum are the skies that Captain Victor Campbell used to participate in and survive the famous Robert Scott Expedition to the South Pole in 1911 - 1912. Under Captain Campbell's leadership, the expedition's Northern Party, survived six months in a crude cave and walked 230 miles over glaciers and sea ice to rejoin the main party of the ill-fated Scott Antarctic expedition. There's a ripped up umbrella that a Torbay family found in the rafters of a 100 year old home. The oldest artifact in the museum is a 200 year old platter owned by the late George White's great grandmother (a resident of Torbay). A replica of a Penny-Farthing bicycle, built about 40 or 50 years ago, is placed in the street scene. There is also, an Old bench from the Roman Catholic Stone Church (1858-1919) and a 150 year old trunk, used to store garments for services, from the Old St. Nicholas Church, Lower Street (1827-1926).

Bus Tours & Groups...

The Torbay Museum welcomes groups and tour buses - even on off hours. Just contact Jerri and she will be more than glad to help you in anyway possible. The museum is also wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible washrooms as well. Many groups who have visited the museum have had valuable learning experiences. For example, these Brownies are learning the fine art of hooking mats. It is a very educational event for young people since it gives them an opportunity to learn about their ancestors activities.

Helpful Assistance...

The employees of the Torbay Museum are always available to give you assistance. Whether you are searching for your ancestors or just trying to learn more about the fables and folklore of Torbay or just checking out the local scenery - feel free to drop by the museum for some warm, friendly information.

The museum is located along Route 20 and is open weekdays, as well as some evenings. The hours of operation change to just two nights a week during the winter season. There is NO admittance fee but donations are welcome.

Following our links...

Torbay's Rich History / Heritage Committee / Fishery / Carpentry / Farming / Parlour Room / St. Michael's Convent / Staff / Location / Hours of Operation / Museum Activities / Holy Trinity Church / St. Nicholas Church / Torbay Scenery / Newfoundland & Labrador

Links you should check out...

The Town of Torbay Homepage - visit the town that is the wonderful home to this museum

Elizabeth Morey Memorial Library - if you visit the museum you can visit the library too... it's right across the hall.

The Guide to Museums and Culture Resources in Canada

The Newfoundland Museum - where Mrs. Pellegrinetti used to volunteer

Museum Association of Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland & Labrador Heritage Web

Questions or Comments??

Write to us at:	Torbay Museum
		c/o Jerri Pellegrinetti, Curator
		P.O. Box 131
		Torbay, Newfoundland
		A1K 1E2
			(709) 437-6571
			(709) 437-6532

Or Email us:	torbay_museum@hotmail.com

Giving credit where credit is due...

In preparing to do this webpage I had to do quite a bit of reading and research, I would like to give credit to the following:

A Heritage Guide to Torbay by Robin McGrath - I encourage you to purchase this book, it is well written and very informative, and has lots of interesting tidbits of information.

The History of Torbay by Bob Codner - This is another book I encourage you to purchase, it is very interesting and does an excellent job of telling the history of our town on a factual basis.

Gary Marsh - thanks for putting up with my ENDLESS questions :)

Jeff Green

Debbie McGrath, a member of the Torbay Heritage Committee

and of course, Mrs. Pellegrinetti - whose knowledge of our town is unbelievable!!!!!!