The Victoria Community Development Corporation

Carbonear Railway Station Museum
Water Street, Carbonear, Newfoundland

* 75 minutes from St. John's
* Open June to September
* 10 am to 5 pm Daily
* By Appointment- off season
* Group tours arranged

Contact Information:
Bert Parsons
P.O. Box 64
Carbonear, NF A1Y 1B5
(709) 596-2532 / 0714
(709) 596-2849 (off season)
Located: Water Street

The life blood of Newfoundland was the export of salt fish. Fishing families caught and dried the cod in the summer and then traded it for what they needed from local Merchants. Schooners took the dried fish to Europe, Brazil and the West Indies. There it was traded for such things as salt, molasses, coal and manufactured goods. These were resold in other ports or taken back for use by residents of Newfoundland. What Newfoundlanders did not produce they had to import from over seas. This ocean trade, called "Going Foreign," depended on strong ships and stronger men, with more captains hailing from Carbonear for this trade than any other Newfoundland out port.

From the mid 1800's right up to the beginning of World War II, Carbonear schooners and their crews took enormous risk battling stormy weather, rough seas, injury, illness and, during World War I, hostile enemy submarines. Many died but a remarkable number arrived home safely to live to a ripe old age.

The Carbonear Heritage Society has collected stories of these heroic seafarers and artifacts related to ‘Going Foreign' trade. A highly praised professional exhibit focused on these ships and men, their life style and their achievement can be viewed at the Railway station Museum.

Located in Carbonear. Turn off the Trans-Canada at Exit 31, take Route 75, Veterans Memorial Highway, onto the Baccalieu Trail. Follow Route 75 to Carbonear.

Learning Resources for the Carbonear Railway Station Museum.