Stories from the Station

Admiralty House Communications Museum is housed in what once served as the residential building of the HM Wireless Station. Built in 1915 by the British Admiralty and the Canadian Marconi Company, the building served as a top secret wireless station throughout the First World War. For seven years, the station listened for any potentially-threatening messages from incoming enemies while also helping ships navigate the treacherous coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Photo courtesy of the Clem Scott Collection, 006-001-012.

During those years, many brave men served their country from this very station, keeping our shores safe and saving many lives. Stories from the Station is a series of blog posts we created to document the stories of some of them. It is an honour to be able to share their stories with you, and we encourage you to take a few minutes to read about them and remember their sacrifice.

Alcock, William (15 Apr - 31 Dec 1918): LINK

Avery, Nicholas (6 Dec 1915 - ? Dec 1918): LINK

Benson, Newman (9 Aug - 6 Oct 1918, 11 Jan - 2 Apr 1919): LINK

Bouteillier, James Woodbury McLellan (Sept 1915 - Dec 1918): LINK

Candey, Henry William (1917): LINK

Doody, James David (1-18 Feb 1918 or 25 Feb - 13 Mar 1916): LINK

Durban, George Henry (Aug 1921 - Oct 1923): LINK

Elton, William "Sandy" (1915 - 1918): LINK

Fenn, Cyril Duncan (20 Mar 1919 - 1 Mar 1921): LINK

Groves, Bernard (~4 Mar - 18 June 1916): LINK

Kelsey, Joseph Sydney (1 Feb 1918 - 27 Apr 1920): LINK

Manning, William Henry (25 June 1919 - 10 Mar 1922): LINK

Murley, Ernest Fizzard (26 Aug 1916 - 16 Nov 1917): LINK

Puddicombe, William (10 Aug - 14 Nov 1916): LINK

Scott, Charles Benjamin (21 Apr 1923 - 12 Oct 1925): LINK

The decision was made to decommission the station in 1922 and the dismantling of the station was complete by 1925. While it may not be in operation today, it now serves as a place for us to research, preserve, and share the stories of the men who served here and the role that this naval base played in the First World War.

If you have information on any of the men who served here at the HM Wireless Station or are looking to learn more about them, we encourage you to visit us at 365 Old Placentia Road or to email us at admiraltyhouse@mountpearl.ca.

We are hiring!

Job description

Job title: Rentals and Programming Officer

Location: In person, 365 Old Placentia Road, Mount Pearl, NL

Type: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

Wage: $20.00 per hour

Positions available: 1

Job Summary

Admiralty House Communications Museum is a small non-profit organization based out of Mount Pearl. Located in the historic HM Wireless Station, we strive to preserve the history and culture of the area and of the people who lived here. We offer tours, group programs, and a roster of events so that both tourists and members of the community can visit and learn about the local history.

The successful candidate must have the ability to work independently and with a team. The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of competency in organization, public relations, and problem solving.

Qualifications

- Eligibility to work in Canada

- Strong verbal and written communication skills

- Is able to reliably commute to and from work for scheduled shifts

- Is able to provide a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector check certificate

- Basic first aid is considered an asset

- Spoken French skills is considered an asset

Duties

Facility and Staff:

- Open and close the museum on their own

- Give Tours of the museum using historically accurate information

- Monitor, train, supervise summer staff under the direction of the Manager

Rentals:

- Respond to rental inquiries with accurate information in a polite and professional manner

- Coordinate rentals with events and programs, ensuring no overlap between the two

- Coordinate with renters, security personnel, and museum staff

- Answer questions from renters and security personnel

- Light cleaning before/after renters arrive/leave

- Maintain an up-to-date security manual with policies and procedures

- Act as point of contact between staff, renters, and security personnel

- Inform Manager of upcoming rentals

Programs and Events:

- Create, plan, and execute museum related programming and events

- Coordinate with the Manager to ensure programs and events are properly staffed

- Prepare materials and space for events, including light cleaning as required

- Coordinate with Manager on program and event specifics as required

- Consult with Manager of all planned programs and events prior to announcement

Social Media:

- Plan, schedule, and post relevant social media posts about programs and events

- Plan, schedule and post relevant social media about museum related topics

- Maintain a consistent posting schedule on social media

Benefits

- Vacation - 15 calendar days per year

- Annual RRSP contribution

- Medical and/or dental coverage

To apply please send a cover letter and resume to: admiraltyhouse@mountpearl.ca

We thank all applicants for their submissions but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application closing date: 5:00PM (NST), NOVEMBER 30th, 2024

Start Date: To be determined

 

More 2024 Summer Staff!

Meet our fourth and last summer staff member, Kait!

Hello! I’m Kait, one of the new museum assistants at Admiralty House Communications Museum. I have a B.A. in history and French, an M.A. in history, and a B.Ed. I’m excited to be working on educational programming this summer! I love finding engaging new ways to explore the past and share its many stories. If you have any family histories or folktales you would like to share, I’m all ears! In my free time I enjoy doing traditional textile crafts, reading, and nature photography. I look forward to learning a lot at Admiralty House!






We are so thankful to have received such a wonderful group of summer staff! Keep an eye out for some blog posts with updates on their projects!

New Summer Staff - 2024

With the arrival of summer comes the arrival our summer students! Here is your opportunity to meet the first few of them below... 

First up we have Emily, who will and helping us with our marketing and outreach!

Hi! I’m Emily, and I graduated from M.U.N with a Bachelor’s in English, History, and Political Science. Currently, I’m working on a diploma in Creative Writing.
If someone asks me what I do, I always consider myself a writer first. In February of this year, I published my first historical fiction novel “Barber, Black Sheep” under the pen name Ann Neville. This is set in England, 1870, and it is the first book in a series following interconnected characters as they navigate adventures and troubles that parallel the 21st century in more ways than might be expected.
“Living History” is an important method of research for me, and I believe that one of the best ways to explore the past is through tangible objects. If I’m not reading, I can often be found studying antiques, incorporating historical dress into my daily life, baking old recipes, or outside scribbling in a notebook because I just had an idea for a story. I’m excited to spend my summer here at Admiralty House and learn as much as I possibly can!


Next we have Abby, who is going to help us with our programming and events!

Hello! I’m Abby, one of the new museum assistants at Admiralty House Communications Museum for the summer. I have just finished the fourth year of my BA, as a history honours student with a minor in folklore. I specialize in British Imperial-ish and gender history, with a particular interest in how gender defined and dictated imperial relations, especially here on the island. In my free time I enjoy reading, especially comic books, walking, 1000+ piece jigsaw puzzles, and audio drama podcasts. I am very passionate about public history, and I’m excited for this opportunity to discuss a fascinating aspect of Newfoundland’s past with you this summer!

Our third addition is Victoria, who is going to be working with our archival collection! 

Hello! I’m Victoria, a Museum Assistant at Admiralty House. I study folklore and archaeology and I love anything to do with material culture and people. During my studies I’ve had the opportunity to work a few different heritage positions, in which the work is always interesting and the people are even more so. My favorite part of working in the heritage sector is seeing peoples stories told through objects, art, and pictures. I believe that telling stories is an important part of keeping history alive, with the added benefit of participation from the general public. In Newfoundland, the public is the history. Some of my favorite stories are about ghost ships, family gatherings, and fairies. Working in collections means I get to discover and piece together stories, discover connections, and interact with people whose families were an active part in the Newfoundland community. It also means I get to look at a lot of old photos which, to me, is the coolest thing ever. Newfoundland is rich with history and filled with more than enough people who want to tell the stories of the past. Your grandmother, aunt, dad, mom, friend and neighbor all have a story to tell and you should absolutely listen to them!

Stay tuned for more staff updates throughout the summer!!

Mudder's Day Market - Vendor Announcements

Announcing the vendors for our Mudder's Day Market!

We've got a little bit of everything lined up for May 10th and 11th, just in time to get some last minute Mudder's Day gifts--or a little treat for yourself, no judgment!

The Mudder's Day Market will be open on Friday, May 10th from 6:30-9:00pm and on Saturday, May 11th from 9:00am-12:00pm, so whether you're a night owl or an early riser, we've got a time for you! The event is in the Annex at Admiralty House (365 Old Placentia Road, Mt. Pearl).

Admission is by donation of non-perishables or financial donation to the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador! They will be joining us for both days; spreading awareness and collecting donations to help support the single parents of our province. So don't forget to bring a little something for them!

Make sure to mark yourself as 'Going' on our Facebook event to stay up to date on any announcements! You can find the event HERE!

Now for a little sneak preview of who all is coming to our market!

Call for Vendors - Mudder's Day Market 2024

Admiralty House Communications Museum, the Association for the Arts in Mount Pearl, and the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador are partnering to bring you the "Mudder's Day Market"! This market is all about celebrating the mudders, the mom-friends, and the people who are there for you when you need them!

This market will be open to the public on Friday May 10th from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Saturday May 11th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the doors opening to vendors an hour before for setup. This will be at the Annex (365 Old Placentia Road). All tables will be indoors with electrical access and Wi-Fi available. The building is wheelchair accessible and well-lit.

We have space for 11 vendors on each day. Tables cost $20 per day. Anybody booking for both days are welcome to leave things in their space overnight at their own discretion. We will not be accepting and applications from MLMs for this event as we want to support local artists, entrepreneurs, and craftspeople first!

If you are interested in submitting an application for this event, please fill out the form by following the link: CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION FORM

If you have any questions, please contact Tim at ahcm@mountpearl.ca or by calling 709-748-1124.

We Are Hiring: Summer 2024!

 

Job title: Museum Assistant

Organization: Admiralty House Communications Museum
Location: 365 Old Placentia Road, Mount Pearl, NL
Type: 16 weeks
Wage: $16.00/hour
Hours: 35 hours/week
Positions Available: 4 (Two through Canada Summer Jobs, two through Young Canada Works)

* These positions are contingent upon the receipt of funding. *

Job Summary

Admiralty House Communications Museum is a small non-profit museum based out of Mount Pearl. Located in the historic HM Wireless Station, we strive to preserve the history and culture of the area and of the people who lived here. We also offer tours, group programs, and a roster of events so that both tourists and members of the community can visit and learn about the local history.

Admiralty House Communications Museum is looking for creative, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing engaging and entertaining experiences to educate the public on our community’s heritage. A Museum Assistant is responsible for accepting admission, providing tours to visitors, and assisting in upcoming events, programs, and projects.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate:

• Has completed a minimum of one year post-secondary education in a relevant field

• Strong verbal communication skills

• Works well independently and in a team environment

• Is able to reliably commute to and from work for scheduled shifts

• Is able to provide a clear criminal record and vulnerable sector check certificate prior to starting their employment

• Experience in hospitality and tourism is considered an asset

• Experience working with seniors or youth is considered an asset

• Spoken French skills is considered an asset

Applications for the Museum Assistant must contain a cover letter, a resume, and a minimum of two references. Applications must be submitted through email to admiraltyhouse@mountpearl.ca with the subject line "Job Application: Museum Assistant."

Pending funding approval, these positions are funded in part through the Canada Summer Jobs program and the Young Canada Works program. All applicants must meet the current eligibility criteria for the program that funds their position. Please read the following sections carefully and inform us when submitting your application which funder(s) you are eligible under.

Holiday Market 2023

 ☃️ Our third annual Holiday Market is a go! ☃️

We have a selection of amazing vendors lined up for each night with a fantastic blend of anything and everything you could imagine at a market! 🎁 Come find the perfect gift or that little mid-fall pick-me-up you need–nay–deserve!

We we will be open on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 from 6:30-9:00PM! Admission is free, but we will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items for Community Care Mount Pearl, who stocks community pantries across Mount Pearl.

Take a look at some of our amazing vendors!

Apple Mountain - The Essentials of Happiness

Apple Mountain - The Essentials of Happiness is a small-batch Bath and Body company based in Conception Bay South. Kristine specializes in high-quality skincare products that are creative, colorful, and gentle enough for the whole family - plus they smell great too! This market will feature hand-painted seasonal bath bombs, whipped soaps, sugar scrubs, body butters, bar soaps, hand washes, lip balms and more. (Apple Mountain's products contain no sulfates, no parabens and no phthalates. 98% of Apple Mountain's products are vegan-friendly.)

Check out their Facebook HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Cakes by Nevaeh

Cakes by Nevaeh is an at-home cake business specializing in custom buttercream cakes and cupcakes. Offering a variety of flavours and designs for all your celebration needs. This Holiday Market you can expect to see many Christmas-themed cupcakes with allergy-friendly options!

Check out their Instagram HERE! They will be at our market on November 18th!

Creations by Brianna

Creations By Brianna offers a wide range of personalized items based out of Paradise. We follow the latest trends to bring you uniquely designed cups, bookmarks, tote bags, apparel and more. This market we will be bringing some of our favourite designs as well as our new holiday designs so you can find the perfect personalized gift.

Check out their Instagram HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th!

Cut.and.Grind

Cut.and.Grind is a Mount-Pearl-based business, making stained glass decorations and charcuterie boards. They love creating handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces for people to put in their homes.

Check out their Instagram HERE! They will be at our market on November 18th!

Engen Books

Engen Books is Newfoundland and Labrador's top publisher of genre fiction. Since 2007, Engen Books has specialized in bringing science fiction, fantasy, horror, and thrillers by local authors to market. Our team is looking forward to bringing selections from our vast library of content to shoppers at Admiralty House, including hot new releases, seasonal favourites, and selections from our expanded catalogue of non-fiction and poetry.

Check out their website HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Light Minded Collection

Light Minded Collection is a hand made candle small business out of Paradise. We sell coconut soy wax candles, and for this market we will be bringing a mixture of Christmas/Winter inventory and our Signature Collection as well!

Check out their Instagram HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th!

Mavoureen Designs

Mavoureen Designs is a Newfoundland-based jewelry and craft business. We make handcrafted jewelry, cards featuring hand-drawn Newfoundland flowers, and other items. The market at the annex will feature a number of different holiday jewelry designs and seasonal craft items along with regularly featured items.

Check out their Instagram HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Robyn's Nest Crafted Goods

Robyn's Nest Crafted Goods is a St. John's based fiber goods business that focuses on unique sewn and crocheted items. At this market, they will have new holiday products along with their regular line up of items.

Check out their Facebook HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Rockateer Treats

Rockateer Treats is Atlantic Canada's only freeze-dried candy storefront! They have only the highest quality and largest selection of freeze dried confections. They will be bringing all of their top Christmas sellers, the perfect stocking stuffers!

Check out their Facebook HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Snowflakie Designs

Snowflakie Designs is a Mount Pearl based, hand knit, crochet and machine knit craft vendor. I have a twin sister that makes some of the items as well. My biggest sellers are small stuffed animals, faux fur pom pom hats and mittens. For this market I will have some Christmas stockings, baby hats and stuffed animals.

Check out their Facebook HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Stalactites Designs

Based out of St. John's, Amal weaves beautifully intricate macramé pieces, from plant hangers to key chains, all can find a piece to fall in love with. They use several variations in technique and macramé cord size to ensure that each piece shows off its distinct personality.

Check out their Facebook HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Sue's Art Creations

Sue's Art Creations is a locally owned small business started by myself, Sue, & assisted by my husband Roy. I source my materials to be as much Newfoundland/Canadian products in my pieces where I can. My pieces include: 1. Driftwood 2. Needle-Felted Items 3. Specialty/Season fitted items

Check out their Facebook HERE! They will be at our market on November 17th and 18th!

Team Addition!

 

Please welcome the newest addition to our team, Rebecca! 

Hi everyone, my name is Rebecca. I am very passionate about the preservation of both local history/culture as well as nature. I recently graduated from MUN with a BSc in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Conservation. I love doing research and sharing the things I learn with the people around me. In my spare time I do wildlife photography and crochet, and I always love a good film. I’m super excited to be at the Admiralty House this summer and I can’t wait to learn about and share this piece of Newfoundland’s history!

Another New Staff Person!

Please welcome our newest Museum Assistant, Nora!

I’m Nora (she/her) and this will be my first summer working in the Admiralty House Communications Museum! I have a huge fascination with history and science which has led me to become involved with various educational centres in the city. I love learning and I’m constantly searching for ways to expand my knowledge about the history and culture in Newfoundland and around the world. In my spare time you can find me hiking, baking or taking care of my many plants. I’m very excited to be a part of the Admiralty House team this summer!

More New Staff!

We have a new staff person who has joined us! 

Please welcome our new Museum Assistant, Laura Kelly!

Laura's interest in heritage comes from a belief that it's stories that tell us who we are, remind us where we're from, and will carry on what's important to us long into the future. It is this belief that inspired Laura to study Folklore at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She's excited for the opportunity to share the many stories housed in the museum with guests this summer.