O'Reilly House Museum

Name: O'Reilly House Museum
Address: 48 Orcan Drive, Placentia, NL, A0B2Y0, CA

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O'Reilly House Museum

Built in 1902, the O'Reilly House Museum was once the home of Magistrate William O'Reilly and Family

09/22/2026

Clearly dated 1676, this tombstone marked the grave of a Basque fisherman who died in Placentia 350 years ago. It is one of three Basque tombstones held at O'Reilly House.

The Basque were among the first European fishermen to visit North America. Ship records document the presence of Basque vessels in Placentia as early as the 1500s.

09/05/2026

The Placentia Star of the Sea Association is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Its origins go back to 1876 and one of its founders, Thomas O'Reilly, was the father of Magistrate William O'Reilly for whom O'Reilly House is named.

At O'Reilly House Museum, we are proud to have on display a selection of items connected to this organization that has been a fixture of the Placentia area and the site of countless community and family celebrations over the years. Do you have any special memories of "The Star?"

08/31/2026

Since early July, our guides (l-r) Cheyenne, Viceliet, and Jack have been greeting our visitors and helping them explore the rich history on display at O'Reilly House and St. Luke's Cultural Heritage Centre. It's now time to say good-bye to them for this season and to wish them success as they return to their studies.

08/11/2026

So far this season we have had visitors from Alberta, Alabama, Brigus, British Columbia, Burin, California, Georgia, Germany, Lawn, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Spaniards Bay, Whitbourne, and many more places.

The Museum is open Monday to Saturday. Why not come add your name and home town to our guest book.

08/09/2026

☕️❤️ PAHS Annual Tea Party 2026 ❤️☕️

What a wonderful afternoon of friendship, history, and community at the Placentia Area Historical Society’s Annual Tea Party!

The Annual Tea Party is always a special occasion — a chance to gather with friends and neighbours, enjoy some tea and treats, share a few stories, and celebrate the rich history and heritage of our beautiful community of Placentia.

A very special congratulations to this year’s Heritage Award recipients, Rachel Connors and the Star of the Sea Association of Placentia! 👏❤️

Both recipients have made meaningful contributions to our community and to the preservation, celebration, and promotion of our local heritage. We are proud to recognize their dedication and commitment to keeping the stories and traditions of Placentia alive for future generations.

A heartfelt thank you to the Placentia Lions Club for sponsoring this year’s Tea Party. Your continued support of the Historical Society and our community is truly appreciated. It is through partnerships like this that we can continue to celebrate and share the history that makes Placentia so special.

We would also like to thank all our volunteers, supporters, guests, and everyone who came out to enjoy the afternoon with us. Your support means so much to the Placentia Area Historical Society.

In true Newfoundland fashion, there was plenty of tea, plenty of treats, plenty of stories — and, of course, a few good yarns along the way! ☕️🍰😊

Congratulations once again to Rachel Connors and the Star of the Sea Association, and thank you to the Placentia Lions Club for helping make this year’s Tea Party possible.

❤️ Together, we celebrate our past, preserve our heritage, and keep the story of Placentia and Area alive for generations to come.

05/30/2026

The Placentia Area Historical Society (PAHS) is hiring!
PAHS is now accepting applications for a Seasonal Museum
Coordinator position. This position is offered through the Job Creation
Partnership (JCP) program, and applicants must meet all government
eligibility requirements.

Position Details:
• 16-week term
• 40 hours per week
• June 15 – October 2

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience while
supporting the daily operations and development of the O’Reilly House
Museum and St. Luke’s Cultural Heritage Centre.
For more information, contact Winnie Barry at 709-227-4234.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, June 10

Email resumes/applications to: [email protected]

Address

48 Orcan Drive
Placentia, NL
A0B2Y0

Website

http://placentiahistory.ca/

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