Prior to the late 19th century, almost no permanent health-care resources existed in Labrador and northern Newfoundland. In 1893, Dr. Grenfell, a British medical missionary to Newfoundland, founded the Grenfell Mission’s first hospital in Battle Harbour in 1893. In addition to improving medical access, Grenfell also sought to improve social services and wellbeing and contributed to the growth of the craft industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Built between 1909 and 1910, Grenfell House Museum is the former home of Dr. Grenfell and his family. Originally being the sole house on the hill, it earned the nickname of the
“castle” and featured flowerbeds and vegetable gardens and a New England design. When Dr. Grenfell retired to Vermont, the house became a residence for Grenfell Mission workers until 1978 when it was turned over to the Grenfell Historical Society.
This listing was created by the National Trust for Canada. If you own or administer this site and would like to take ownership of the listing, please reach out to us via email at historicplacesdays@nationaltrustcanada.ca.
Sources:
https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/211384
https://www.cdnmedhall.ca/laureates/wilfredgrenfell
In 1893, Dr. Grenfell, a British medical missionary to Newfoundland, founded the Grenfell Mission’s first hospital in Battle Harbour in 1893. In addition to providing medical services, the Mission also helped create local handicraft industries through providing adult education in carpentry and weaving as well as through establishing co-operative stores were crafts could be sold. Today, early Grenfell rugs are considered works of art. Built between 1909 and 1910, Grenfell House Museum is the former home of Dr. Grenfell and his family.
