About

Our Organization & Facilities

Grenfell Historical Society

Grenfell Historic Properties is operated by the Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society.

The Grenfell Historic Society is a registered charitable organization that has been incorporated since April of 1978.

During his life, Grenfell received many honours and awards for his dedicated work. In 1928, he was made a Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George. During the summer of 1998, the Grand Opening of the new interpretation centre launched many of the new legacy events, infrastructure and programming that now make up the Grenfell Historic Properties.

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Grenfell Interpretation Centre

Opened in 1998, the Grenfell Interpretation Centre interprets the life and times of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell through a gallery of interpretive paneling and displays. The Interpretation Centre employs staff who greet and provide an orientation to visitors on the Grenfell Historic Properties, and the Grenfell Interpretation Centre.

The centre itself is designed to be self touring and to provide a more modern interpretative experience for visitors.

A 14 minute video is shown daily to visitors to give a brief insight into the life of Dr. Grenfell and the work of the Grenfell Mission.

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Grenfell House Museum

The Grenfell House, Newfoundland home to Dr. Grenfell and his wife and three children - was built between 1909 and 1910.

Based on a New England design, the architects were Ash & Sons of Carbonear, Newfoundland.

The house has seen many changes throughout it's history with rooms and chimneys being added and taken away.

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Grenfell Park & Dock Facility

Grenfell Docking Facility services personal yachts and acts as a drop-off point for tourists when cruise ships come into town.

The dock is conveniently located behind the Grenfell Interpretation Centre. Grenfell Park & Playground is a popular spot especially in the summertime. Walkways and seating facilities allow the public to relax and enjoy the waterfront view.

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Tea House Hill Trail

This 20 minute walking trail provides an easy walk to the top of Tea House Hill and offers the best views of this sensitive forest area without damaging the environmental resources within.

Designed by Frederick Hann & Associates Landscape Architects in October 1994, this trail satisfies national park standards for walking trails.

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Dr. Wilfred Thomason Grenfell

About Dr. Wilfred Grenfell

Dr. Grenfell was devoted to improving the life of the people. He practiced medicine, built hospitals, established schools and orphanages and when not working on the coast travelled in the UK and North America looking for support and labour.

During his life, Grenfell received many honours and awards for his dedicated work. In 1928, he was made a Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George.

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Dr. Grenfell's Chronology

1865 - Wilfred Thomason Grenfell born in Parkgate, England, February 28.
1883 - Enters medical school at the London Hospital.
1885 - Inspired by evangelist Dwight Moody to do God's work.
1886 - Becomes a medical doctor and joins the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.
1892 - Comes to investigate the condition of the fishermen on the Labrador coast.
1893 - Builds first hospital in Battle Harbour, Labrador.

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Time Magazine's Tribute to Dr. Grenfell

In 1940, Time Magazine published a tribute to Dr. Grenfell's life just 12 days after he passed away.

The cover that week (left), featured a photo of Wendell Wilkie, who lost the 1940 U.S. presidential election to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This detailed article commemorates Dr. Wilfred Thomason Grenfell's life - published on October 21, 1940.

Click button below to view the complete text of Time Magazine's obituary article.

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Grenfell Comic Book

Ever wonder how Sir Wilfred Grenfell's harrowing tale of survival in northern Newfoundland would translate into comic book form?

Wonder no further! The good doctor made his debut in True Comics, Issue #10 (1941).

True Comics was begun in 1941 to 'counteract the wild, rowdy superhero comics' according to comics historian, Ron Goulart (of The Comic Book Reader's Companion, HarperPerennial, 1993).

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Dr. Grenfell on Wikipedia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell KCMG (February 28, 1865 – October 9, 1940) was a British medical missionary to Newfoundland, who wrote books on his work and other topics.

He was born at Parkgate, Cheshire, England, on 28 February 1865, the Son of Rev. Algernon Sidney Grenfell, headmaster of Mostyn House School, and Jane Georgiana Hutchison.

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