The Conception Bay Museum is located at 1 Water Street East, inside the old Customs House. Originally built in 1870, the present-day brick-and-stone structure replaced the previous customs office—a wooden, thatch-roofed building. Nearby, the pirate Peter Easton constructed fortifications at Capelin Cove, circa 1612.
The Museum offers a unique heritage and cultural experience for those interested in the history of Conception Bay, Newfoundland. The Museum’s current exhibits include:
- Aviation Room – Take off on a tour of Harbour Grace’s role as a hub of transatlantic aviation (including the story of the world’s most well-known female pilot, Amelia Earhart!);
- Pirate and Fishery Room – Experience stories of seafaring from Peter Easton’s adventures in Newfoundland to the history of mercantile fishing and shipbuilding in the region
- World War Exhibit – A display of regimental uniforms dedicated to the island’s military and naval legacy
- Period Setting Room – Step into the past and see our collection of traditional late-nineteenth-century artifacts
- Customs House Room – Learn about the museum building’s many roles since 1870 and have a look at our rotating temporary exhibits
We offer detailed guided tours through each room, with presentations specially catered depending on age level, general comprehension, and relevance. Tours run roughly forty-five minutes.
In our grounds, you can find a monument commemorating Harbour Grace’s important role in transatlantic aviation history. In the summer months, the flags of prominent Harbour Grace merchant firms and the solid black pirate flag of Peter Easton are flown from the poles next to the building.
