The Sir William F. Coaker Heritage Foundation was formed in 1995. An incorporated, not-for-profit, volunteer-based association, it is dedicated to the preservation and careful development of the Historic District of Port Union.

Since its formation, the Foundation has initiated and overseen a number of projects related to its mandate of restoration and preservation. These include architectural assessments of many of the existing buildings, historical research, resource preservation and documentation, development of a master plan, site improvement and landscaping, building restoration.

The notable achievements for 2004/5 include the completion of the Factory building restoration, and the creation and installation of exterior and interior interpretive signage.

The next focus of the Foundation’s efforts is on creating a pedestrian bridge in the vicinity of Port Union’s original sawmill boom, to redevelop the waterfront cribbing, and to build interpretive boardwalks and a 100-seat amphitheatre near the water’s edge.

Are you interested in helping?

The Coaker Foundation welcomes contact from with anyone interested in helping preserve or expand the heritage resources of Port Union.

If you have a connection to make, photographs to share, documents to donate, or artefacts to loan, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

The Sir William F. Coaker Heritage Foundation is currently in the process of acquiring charitable tax status. Check our Calendar of Events for updates.

Vision Statement
Historic Port Union is an historic site dedicated to the preservation of its heritage resources and the communication of its significant and still-relevant history—including the legacy of Sir William Coaker—to an international audience. In so doing it will become a keystone of the Province’s heritage tourism industry, and a major resource centre for the Province’s school system.

It will define its place in the international family of “intentional communities,” and build links with other “intentional communities” to further its objectives.

Wherever possible it will forge partnerships with kindred agencies to better promote its unique legacy. It will conduct its affairs in a way that will support and enhance the efforts of other communities and heritage agencies in the region.In appreciation . . .

The William F. Coaker Heritage Foundation would like to acknowledge the following partner organizations:

• Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives
• Association of Heritage Industries
• Maritime History Archives (MUN)
• Bonavista Area Chamber of Commerce
• Tourism Elliston
• ACT Committee
• Matthew Legacy
• Ryan Premises National Historic Site
• Cape Bonavista Provincial Historic Site
• Mockbeggar Property Provincial Historic Site
• TIP Performing Arts Association