The Colony of Avalon archaeology site is one of the richest sources of artifacts from early European settlement in British North America. The first European fishermen to come to Ferryland arrived in the early 16th century, establishing one of the earliest seasonal fishing stations in North America. Excavations have also uncovered evidence of Beothuk Indian habitation at the site during this same period. The current archaeological excavation consists of six sites featuring the remains of the English colony settled in 1621 under the direction of Sir George Calvert, who later became Lord Baltimore. Likewise, the excavation has also uncovered remains from the later residency of Sir David and Lady Sarah Kirke, whose family inhabited Ferryland from 1638 until well into the late seventeenth century.
The Colony of Avalon also features an new interpretation centre with artifacts dating from primarily the 16th and 17th centuries, which includes cannonballs, arrow points, padlocks, clay tobacco pipes, ceramics, keys, gravestones, spurs, and various coins. Significant finds to date include a set of three gold and enameled seals which have been attributed to Sir David Kirke, two fine gold rings, and a collection of distinctive Portuguese ceramics known as Terra Sigillata earthenware. The interpretation centre also houses a full-scale conservation laboratory where visitors can watch Conservators piecing shards of artifacts back to their original form, as well as gain an understanding of the preservation process. A working 17th century kitchen features demonstrations of everyday seventeenth century life, and various period gardens are also present onsite.
Location: Ferryland, NL
80 kms south of St. John’s following Route 10 (the "Irish Loop" drive).
Contact: The Colony of Avalon
Ph: (709) 432-3200; Fax: (709) 432-2842; Toll Ffree: 1-877-326-5669
E-mail: info@colonyofavalon.ca
Website: http://www.heritage.nf.ca/avalon
Hours: Open May to Mid-October
Interpretation Centre & Site:
May to August: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
September to October: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission: Adults $8.00; Seniors $7.00; Students $6.00; Family $20.00 (HST not included).
A guided tour, and access to the seventeenth-century kitchen, gardens, archaeological site and interpretation centre is included in the price of admission.
Archaeologists work onsite on the excavation areas daily, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Gift Shop features reproductions of artifacts found onsite as well as original work.
Wheelchair Accessible (exceptions include some areas of the archaeological site).