Torbay History House

Torbay Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser for the Northeast Avalon Foodbank hosted by the Torbay History House. This is a friendly competition of 25 decorated trees from community partners, retail outlets, or individual community members to promote the spirit of Christmas and holiday cheer!

November 29 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -  Opening Day

You are invited to view the trees, vote on your favourite tree and enjoy a light reception! 

December 6 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Seal Fur Keychain Workshop

Berry Good Beads - Jackie Shannahan

December 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Storytelling Event with Catherine Wright

For children of all ages! Hot cocoa and cookies provided.

December 20 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Closing Day and Award Ceremony

Another reception with coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies!

Festival Hours 

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

The community and anyone who would like to view the trees will pay a $5 entry fee- or provide non-perishable items for the food bank. The food bank also accepts pet food. 

If you would like to write the name of a loved one for the Memory Tree, we ask $2 for the Memory Tree ornament. 

2025 Tree Participants

Torbay Folk Arts Council
Rocky Isle Singers
50+ Active Group
Torbay Minor Softball
Northeast Avalon Foodbank
Torbay Public Library
Torbay Knitwits
Torbay Quilters
Made to Move Physio + Wellness

Torbay Guitar Group
Carroll Traditional Tree
Torbay Lion's Club
M&M BFF
St. John's Guild of Embroiders
Lorina's Restaurant
East Coast Trail Association
The Family Deckerated Tree 
Carroll Gingerbread Tree
Ancestor Gingerbread Tree
Grounds Cafe Hookers (Ornaments for sale and all proceeds go to the Northeast Avalon Foodbank)

 

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!

Registration for History House Programs and Events can be done through e-Services, by phone at (709) 437-6532 ext. 270, or in person at Torbay History House during business hours (Monday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Family History Days
Whether you're just starting or you've been doing this for years, our Family History series has something for everyone. Join us each week as we explore the world of genealogy and dive into something new!

Duration: August 14 - November 27
When: Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House
Fees: $5.00 +HST
Contact: Torbay History House at museum@torbay.ca

Torbay Knitwits
A group of people that like to knit together, bounce ideas off each other but welcome anyone who would like to bring their own project or learn more about knitting.

Duration: September 15 - December 8
When: Mondays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House
Fees: Free
Contact: Donna Norvey at dnorvey@torbay.ca

Creative Minds Tuesday Group (SOLD OUT)
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!

Duration: September 16 - December 16
When: Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House
Ages: Open to Anyone in Kindergarten - Grade 2
Fees: $2.00 (Pre-registration Encouraged at)
Contact: Katelyn Banks at kbanks@torbay.ca

Art Appreciation
This workshop series for adults 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.

Duration: September 17 - December 17
When: Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House
Ages: Open to Ages 50+
Fees: Free
Contact: Katelyn Banks at kbanks@torbay.ca

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!

Duration: September 17 - December 17
When: Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House
Ages: Open to Anyone in Grades 3 - 8
Fees: $2.00 (Pre-registration Encouraged at https://torbay.ws.townsuite.com/events/info?s_id=1f6e5de3-a07f-490d-a251-d515468c0c6d)
Contact: Katelyn Banks at kbanks@torbay.ca

Open Studio with Heather Coughlan
This workshop series is a space to explore new mediums, be creative and work alongside other creators. Each week, Heather will lead participants through project-based workshops in a variety of mediums to encourage experimentation with new techniques and processes.

Beginners and advanced painters are welcome to enjoy learning and creating art, to be inspired to pick it up on your own.

Duration: September 25 - December 4
When: Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Torbay History House
Ages: Open to Ages 16+
Fees: $15.00 +HST
Contact: Donna Norvey at dnorvey@torbay.ca

Photograph Donations

Torbay History House is seeking donations of old photographs you may have of Torbay and the surrounding areas, all photographs of old buildings, events, individuals, and around the community are welcome!

Oral History Project

We want to know your story!

Share your stories and memories with the History House staff! If you would like to volunteer to help with this project, we welcome you and will provide any training needed.

Torbay History House is inviting you to become a volunteer!

We have many different needs, your skills may be a great fit with what we are seeking! In addition to our traditional and historical programs offered to elementary students, we are looking for people who like to work behind the scenes and help with our ongoing projects and exhibits!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact (709) 437-6532 ext.270 or email DNorvey@torbay.ca

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