tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post7926569938560050644..comments2024-03-28T11:15:57.026-04:00Comments on The Uncataloged Museum: Building Community: Outport StyleLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02833927749919826650noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-67484546796914676812015-08-26T18:09:13.988-04:002015-08-26T18:09:13.988-04:00Thanks both of you! Newfoundland is unique, on lo...Thanks both of you! Newfoundland is unique, on lots of levels, because in the very small communities, the outports, reachable only by boat, some of them, for much of the 20th century, have maintained those traditions and many Newfoundlanders very much honor them--but of course, the internet and the wider world change things, inevitably. It's not the easiest place to get to, so tourism is still developing, but the provincial government, I believe, sees tourism as the future--so then seeing how heritage tourism plays out will be interesting--I've got a couple other blog posts from this visit, and more to come with future visits--so you've both given me more to ponder!Linda Norrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04779967890581247030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-23369522992253323472015-08-26T17:30:34.341-04:002015-08-26T17:30:34.341-04:00Thanks so much for responding Margaret. Your thoug...Thanks so much for responding Margaret. Your thoughtful answer went a way to damp down my cynicism, and I really appreciate that. I live in a well preserved little town only 60 miles north of San Francisco, and though its population isn't as traditional as Newfoundland's, its infrastructure (setting and buildings) pretty much is. So I worry about things like "heritage tourism." I suppose Newfoundland's relative isolation is a reason the culture is still so unchanged. How interesting. I think in California no one even thinks about "traditional lifeways" because our history, from the gold rush on, has been so dynamic and fast. Newfoundland sounds very special.Ginny MacKenzie Magannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-24537310414912448502015-08-26T08:36:11.872-04:002015-08-26T08:36:11.872-04:00Hi ginnymac!
I get where you're coming from; ...Hi ginnymac!<br /><br />I get where you're coming from; I've been to my fair share of kitschy 'historic' sites, too. What I meant was that the heritage of the island (which is Newfoundland -- the province is Newfoundland and Labrador, not just Newfoundland) and its people is incredibly important, and that is reflected in the preservation of traditional lifeways and in vernacular architecture. The outports (like Port Union) all look very much like they did 75 years ago, during the height of the fishing industry. Distinctly Newfoundland practices that anywhere else may have faded into the recesses of memory are still observed and passed on in an active way. Perhaps I should have not used the phrase "historic site" to describe it. It is a celebration of history and heritage, not a "look at the way we used to live! Buy some cheesecloth and a Jacob's Ladder!" There isn't room for the fake-ness because there is an authentic preservation of traditions. Hope that helps explain it better.Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15294605758007543916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-24604022095567277892015-08-25T20:31:16.110-04:002015-08-25T20:31:16.110-04:00I would like to know from Margaret how being in th...I would like to know from Margaret how being in the province of Newfoundland felt like "visiting a historic site." That is a positive simile I'm sure, yet I would love to hear you elaborate on specifics, because there could be such a fine line here...I suppose I'm a bit of a cynic, but I have strong feelings that many historic sites are pretty dreadful in their commodification of history. And I know you mean something different than I imagine! How does the place live in today, avoid the nostalgia and playing-to-the-tourists fake-ness, yet retain a glimpse of the past? If you can make a stab at an analysis (for lack of a better word!)this, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you!ginnymacnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2931042383463966050.post-63959032810612411392015-08-25T12:21:35.928-04:002015-08-25T12:21:35.928-04:00What an awesome opportunity! I lived in Newfoundla...What an awesome opportunity! I lived in Newfoundland for 3 years; I've never been anywhere that has quite as much pride and investment in their unique history. The entire province feels like visiting a historic site. I learned a lot about the value of the shared Newfie experience, and listening to the traditional folklores and oral histories that help preserve it. Good luck with the project!Margarethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15294605758007543916noreply@blogger.com