The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation today participated in a tour of the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site with Ambassador Dr. Eamonn McKee, Ambassador of Ireland to Canada and representatives with the Town of Heart’s Content.
The successful laying of the Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable between Heart’s Content and Valentia in 1866 represents one of the major milestones in human history and global communications. The Heart’s Content and Valentia Cable Stations are the complete surviving testament to the outstanding genius and perseverance behind this world-altering feat, which many at the time believed to be impossible. Between 1866 and 1894, six different cables were connected between Heart’s Content and Valentia.
Discussions have been ongoing between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, the Valentia/Kerry County Council, the Irish UNESCO Office, and the Canadian UNESCO Office regarding a possible transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia – Heart’s Content.
In order to be nominated, both cable stations have to be included on their respective country’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. In 2017, the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site was added to Canada’s Tentative List. It is hoped that Valentia will be added to Ireland’s Tentative List this summer. Once this happens, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland will proceed with next steps to secure a nomination.
Quotes
“Today’s tour was an opportunity to showcase the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site. I encourage everyone to visit the Cable Station during Come Home 2022. It was also an opportunity to continue discussions on the Valentia-Heart’s Content transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. Our government is excited about the possibility of the Trans-Atlantic Cable Ensemble being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This will bring tremendous benefits for the communities of Heart’s Content and Valentia, and will further strengthen the connections between the two communities, as well as the connections between our province and Ireland.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Heart’s Content is a vital part of the global story and the modern age. Its people and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have done a truly impressive job in conserving its heritage and telling that story. The station at Heart’s Content is a true Canadian and world treasure. Valentia Island and its community are proud partners in the application to have the transatlantic cable and its two stations at Heart’s Content and Valentia recognized by UNESCO as a joint heritage site.”
Ambassador Dr. Eamonn McKee
Ambassador of Ireland to Canada
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Heart’s Content Cable Station
Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Historic Sites
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Media contacts
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca
Sally Bourne
Embassy of Ireland
sally.bourne@dfa.ie