Torbay History House
Torbay History House
In 2017, the Town of Torbay purchased the Roman Catholic Presbytery House in an effort to create a museum that meets both professional standards and community needs. Today, the Torbay History House serves as a community and heritage space encouraging visitors to learn more about the community and its significant history!
Photograph Donations
Donate old photographs of Torbay’s people, buildings, events, and everyday community life.
Oral History Project
Share your memories and help preserve Torbay’s stories for future generations.
Become a Volunteer
Help with exhibits, programs, events, and behind-the-scenes museum projects.
Programs & Events
Genealogy Session Coming Up
Join us at Torbay History House for our next Genealogy Session, facilitated by JoAnn Murphy.
This session will focus on using a flatbed scanner to scan documents, negatives, and photographs. Learn practical ways to digitize and preserve your family history materials.
When: Monday, October 5, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House, 2 Convent Lane
Contact: 709-437-6532 ext. 270
MONDAY NIGHTS WITH THE KNITWITS
Join facilitator and knitter extraordinaire Marie Codner and the Torbay Knitwits for an informal gathering of knitters. This group is informative and helpful so it you want to learn how to knit, or to take it back up again and learn more about knitting, please register through e-Services.
CREATIVE MINDS TUESDAY GROUP
Creative Minds is the History House's STEAM-based art program for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Each week, we will explore a new medium, technique, or craft, encouraging children to learn, build, and create with confidence. This is the perfect program for children who love arts and crafts!
This Fall session will run for 14 weeks on Tuesday evenings.
CREATIVE MINDS WEDNESDAY GROUP
Creative Minds is the History House's STEAM-based art program for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Each week, we will explore a new medium, technique, or craft, encouraging children to learn, build, and create with confidence. This is the perfect program for children who love arts and crafts!
This Fall session will run for 14 weeks on Wednesday evenings.
ART APPRECIATION 50+
This workshop series for adults (50+) is a hands-on exploration of the visual arts. Each week, participants will enjoy a guided workshop in an artistic discipline such as acrylic or watercolour painting, printmaking, drawing, pastel, collage, and more! Join us for a cup of coffee or tea and nurture your creativity!
OPEN STUDIO WITH HEATHER COUGHLAN
Each week, Heather will lead participants through project-based workshops in a variety of mediums to encourage experimentation with new techniques and processes.
Beginners, intermediate and advanced painters are welcome to create, learn a new skill and relax in a fun environment.
NEWCOMER COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Join us for a casual and welcoming meeting for newcomers. Meet new people, practice English, enjoy tea or coffee, and take part in occasional small activities or crafts!
Genealogy Sessions
Join facilitator JoAnn Murphy for a series of genealogy sessions at Torbay History House. Learn how to use online research tools, work with historical records, preserve family materials, and create your own family tree.
Session Schedule
October 5: Use a Flatbed Scanner to scan documents, negatives and photographs
October 19: Audiovisual Preservation - Digitizing Video and audio
October 26: Locating and reading civil census
November 2: Locating and reading vital and parish records
November 9: Creating your online family tree
November 16: Questions and Answers
BEGINNERS FIDDLE LESSONS
Have you always wanted to learn to play the fiddle? We are offering beginners lessons please bring your own fiddle. Fiddles can be rented at Long & McQuade
LEARN THE TIN WHISTLE WITH TERRI LYNN HICKEY
Discover the joy of playing the tin whistle in these 10 weekly lessons!
Participants will need their own tin whistle in the key of D (available at Long & McQuade or Reid Music).
Permanent Exhibits
GERALDINE PELLEGRINETTI GALLERY
Torbay in the World
Torbay in the World is dedicated in loving memory of our first curator, Jerri Pellegrinetti.
Exploration & Discovery
Torbay at War
Torbay & the Sea
Torbay in Confederation
Living Traditions
Torbay Folk Art Gallery
Explore Torbay's rich folk art traditions through handcrafted works, music, storytelling, and unique local collections.
Torbay in Song & Story
The Harry Sullivan Collection
MAIN FOYER
Additional Displays
Discover featured exhibits highlighting the people, stories, and artistic heritage that continue to shape our community.
Any Mummer's 'Lowed In?
Explore our extensive exhibition of mummerabilia from the Paul Smith Collection.
Torbay Arts & Culture Hall of Fame
The Torbay Arts & Culture Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements and contributions of residents who enrich our community through their art, music, and craft.
Visit Us
Address
2 Convent Lane
Torbay, NL A1K 1B5
Hours
Monday – Saturday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission by Donation
Contact
(709) 437-6532 ext. 270
museum@torbay.ca
Our Staff
Donna Norvey
CONTACT:
709-437-6532 ext.263
dnorvey@torbay.ca
INTERESTS:
Collections management, genealogy, culinary studies and food history.
Hannah Cooper
CONTACT:
709-437-6532 ext.270
hcooper@torbay.ca
INTERESTS:
Paleography, epigraphy, transcription and genealogy.
Derrick Dymond
CONTACT:
t. 709-437-6532 ext.270
e. ddymond@torbay.ca
INTERESTS:
Newfoundland traditional music, storytelling and cultural tourism.
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