On-Site Learning Resources
The Edge of Avalon Interpretive Centre in Portugal Cove South is a treasure store of knowledge about the history of the Edge of Avalon Heritage Coast. Besides our knowledgeable interpreters and the exhibits here and at the Myrick Interpretive Centre, we also have a large collection of the most authentic and valuable resource of all: the stories and memories of our community elders, in their own words and photographs. Please contact us if you wish to access this material (it is not loaned out.)

History Resources
For an excellent and comprehensive overview of the history and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador go to the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web site at: http://www.heritage.nf.ca

You can also visit The Rooms online. The Rooms unites the Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum. The site presents fascinating digital exhibits at: http://www.therooms.ca/archives/digital_exhibits.asp

Of special relevance to the Edge of Avalon Heritage Coast are the digital exhibits on the subject of the Newfoundland Salt Fisheries at: http://www.therooms.ca/ic_sites/fisheries/main.asp?frame=on

For an up-to-date overview on the fossil sites at Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, go to the Newfoundland and Labrador Government’s Provincial Parks Web site at: http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks/wer/r_mpe

Queens University also has a very informative Web page at: http://geol.queensu.ca/museum/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=61

You can also check out: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsys.html to learn more about the prehistory of the earth and geologic time.

Two of the best Web sites for information about RMS Titanic are:
http://www.titanicinquiry.org and
http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org

Less well-known, but also very worthwhile sites are The RMS Titanic Radio
Page at: http://www.hf.ro and
http://users.senet.com.au/~gittins/radio.html where you can read interesting background information about the young telegraphers on board Titanic and the ships around her on the night of the tragic event.

Natural History Resources

Our Edge of the Sea Gift Shop has several Birding Checklists for the species that occur in our area, as well as checklists for local mammals and butterflies. We also have field guides.

If you wish to download a 9-page birding checklist for all species in our province, go to the Web site of the Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador at: www.nhs.nf.ca

The Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web site gives an excellent overview of the Newfoundland Biosphere at: http://www.heritage.nf.ca/environment/biosphere.html

To learn more about the ecology of the Edge of Avalon Heritage Coast, which is classified as Eastern Hyper-Oceanic Barrens go to: eastern hyper-oceanic barrens (PDF file)

Recommended Reading
A History of Newfoundland by Daniel Woodley Prowse (Boulder Publications) Originally published in 1895, this is recognized as one of the best histories written during the colonial era and the most definitive history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

A Short History of Newfoundland and Labrador by The Newfoundland Historical Society (Boulder Publications) A lively and informative volume written by professional historians, this book traces the growth of human settlement from the Aboriginal pioneers to the current era.

Birds of Newfoundland by Ian Warkenton and Sandy Newton (Boulder Publications) A field guide describing over 170 species of Newfoundland birds.

Cod-The Ecological History of the North Atlantic Fisheries by George Rose A comprehensive and controversial work by the recognized expert on the Newfoundland fishery

Fish Out of Water-The Newfoundland Saltfish Trade from 1814-1914 by Shannon Ryan (Breakwater Books) The story of how England’s first colony was built on salt fish and how that commercial relationship affected Newfoundland’s political future.

Frommer’s Newfoundland and Labrador
This popular travel guide shares “insider” knowledge along with all the necessary practical details.

Servants of the Fish by Myron Arms (Upper Access) A portrait of Newfoundland after the collapse of the cod fishery, through the eyes of Newfoundland's fishermen, politicians, and scientists.

The Big Hop by Gavin Will (Boulder Publications) Tells the story of the early trans-Atlantic flights, including Amelia Earhart’s flight from Trepassey.

The Irish in Newfoundland by Mike McCarthy A vivid depiction of the Irish experience in Newfoundland from the earliest days to the turn of the 20th century.

The First Landfall by David John Molloy (Breakwater Books) A beautifully-written book about twelve landmark Newfoundland lighthouses. (Now out of print, but available from some specialty dealers and in some Newfoundland public libraries.)

The Tragic Wreck of the Anglo Saxon by Arthur and Paul Johnson (Harry Cuff Publications) The story of one of the most tragic wrecks in the Cape Race area (Now out of print, but available in some Newfoundland libraries.)

Via Cape Race by Irene Collins Tells the fascinating stories of the Titanic, Marconi’s innovations, tragic shipwrecks and the Lighthouse Keepers of Cape Race.

Whales and Dolphins of Newfoundland and Labrador by Wayne Ledwell (Boulder Publications) A beautifully illustrated field guide by a renowned researcher.

Wild Flowers of Newfoundland and Labrador by Peter Scott and illustrated by Dorothy Black (Boulder Publications) A field guide to 140 of the most common wildflowers in our province.