Strategic Plan

2026 through 2028

Situation Analysis: The Urgent Need

Newfoundland & Labrador has extensive collections of historic stained-glass windows created by English, European, Irish, Scottish, as well as pre- and post-Confederation Canadian studios. In fact, we have the largest collections of Irish Craft and Scottish-Ballantine stained-glass windows in North America. There is much opportunity for communities to leverage these priceless masterpieces of art for cultural and economic development, particularly tourism.

But first, we must overcome several challenges.

Lack of Awareness and Appreciation
Most NLers are not aware of how extensive and priceless our collections of historic stained glass are, nor their importance as symbols of our history and diverse cultural identities that should be preserved. In many cases, the windows were cherished memorials to loved ones. Many people are also not aware of the current urgent need to research, document and preserve our historic stained-glass art, and to ensure it stays in the communities where it belongs for the benefit of current and future generations.

Little Research and Documentation
Most of NL’s stained-glass windows have never been investigated and documented. This is despite the fact there’s been a national registry since 1986 -- the Registry of Stained Glass Windows in Canada (RSGC). The RSGC was developed through the Visual Art and Art History Program at York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There is also the Canadian Institute of Stained Glass based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

No Protective Legislation
There is currently NO legislation under the NL Historic Resources Act to protect historic stained-glass windows from being destroyed or removed from the province. This lack of legislative protection means these precious cultural resources are in peril -- especially as some churches are being sold or demolished.

Not Fully Leveraged for our Economy
NL’s historic stained-glass windows are important assets that communities could be better leveraging for economic development, particularly tourism.

For example, there are important collections of historic stained-glass windows in the cathedrals and churches of the St. John’s Ecclesiastical District National Historic Site, St. John’s, NL, Canada. These windows have proven to be of great interest to tourists, especially Europeans visiting by cruise ship. Given that these ships visit other ports, it stands to reason that tourists would enjoy seeing more of the spectacular stained glass we have throughout NL. These collections of stained glass are, therefore, important assets that communities could be better leveraging for tourism and economic development.

Who We Are

NL Historic Stained Glass is a volunteer initiative. We are primarily retired heritage and other professionals who came together in 2024 because we are concerned about NL’s important collections of historic, architectural stained-glass windows.

We are already igniting pride in the culturally significant stained-glass windows in NL, as well as creating more awareness, understanding, appreciation, study and documentation. We are doing this for community cultural and economic development for the benefit of current and future generations. We are also assisting the owners of historic stained glass with helpful information and advice.

This Strategic Plan will guide our efforts.

Our Vision

To help protect, preserve and ignite pride in NL’s masterpieces of historic, architectural stained-glass windows for the benefit of current and future generations.

Our Goals

  • Goal #1: To research and document NL’s historic stained-glass windows and the stories of the people who created, funded and preserved them.
  • Goal #2: To raise awareness and understanding of NL’s historic stained-glass windows, including their historic, cultural and economic significance.
  • Goal #3: To encourage the preservation of NL’s historic stained-glass windows, including the knowledge and traditional skills to restore and maintain them.
  • Goal #4: To establish the right entity, with the right governance and funding.

Our Strategies

Each strategy will have a plan of action, with the timing based on funding and resources. The tactical plans will include timelines, budget, resources and measurement.

The purpose of this Strategic Plan is, therefore, to outline our high-level Vision, Goals and priority Strategies for the understanding of our stakeholders.

Goal #1: To research and document NL’s historic stained-glass windows and the stories of the people who created, funded and preserved them

Strategies

  1. By creating an online presence.
    • The website will facilitate the collection of information and registration of historic stained glass.
    • The website will also allow users, including tourists, to interact with a map to view collections of stained-glass windows by community.
    • The initial focus will be on getting a website up and running prior to the official public launch.
    • Over time, the website will provide other information and tools, such as a Speakers’ Bureau program, advice on care and protection, the latest news and media, and frequently asked questions and answers.
    • The website will be linked to other social-media platforms we will be developing.
  2. By creating a way to store, share and communicate the data we collect.
    • We will build a database/registry to house data and other information about the historic stained glass.
    • It will feed into the interactive website map, allowing for public access of key info.
    • We will make the database/registry available to researchers and other academics.

Note: Future work will include engaging owners and communities in capturing the stories behind the province’s stained-glass collections. Those stories will be presented through written posts, photos, videos, presentations and outreach through the news media and social-media platforms.

Goal #2: To raise awareness and understanding of NL’s historic stained-glass windows, including their historic, cultural and economic significance

Strategies

  1. By engaging key stakeholders and others before and after the public launch.
    • Governments: federal, provincial and indigenous governments, leaders, policy-makers, funders and influencers.
    • Heritage and museum groups: Museum Association of Newfoundland & Labrador, Heritage NL, The Rooms and other heritage groups.
    • Academics, researchers and historians: Memorial University, Grenfell College, York University, the Registry of Stained Glass Windows in Canada and the Visual Art and Art History Program.
    • Other stained-glass associations: the Canadian Institute of Stained Glass and The Stained Glass Museum, Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, UK.
    • Stained-glass owners, artisans, restorers and educators.
  2. By engaging governments and communities in how NL’s historic stained glass can be better understood and leveraged for economic development, particularly tourism.
  3. By launching to the NL public in a compelling, imaginative manner.

Note: Future work will include encouraging research into NL’s stained-glass collections and building partnerships that will enable us to realize our goals.

Goal #3: To encourage the preservation of NL’s historic stained-glass windows, including the knowledge and traditional skills to restore and maintain them

Strategies

  1. By advocating changes to NL’s Historic Resources Act and export legislation to prevent the removal of historic stained-glass windows from NL.
  2. By identifying historic stained-glass windows most at risk and helping mitigate those risks.
  3. By providing information on maintenance and preservation.
  4. By engaging the public through traditional news and social media.

Note: Future work will include engaging governments, academic institutions and artisans with the goal of rejuvenating the knowledge and traditional skills required to preserve, restore and protect NL’s historic stained glass.

Goal #4: To establish the right entity, with the right governance and funding

Strategies

  1. By seeking expert advice on what kind of entity the initiative should be to maximize funding.
  2. By putting that structure, governance and other requirements in place.
  3. By seeking funding from governments and private sources.

Note: Future work will include developing a Business Plan that will identify ways to sustain and grow the initiative. Initial ideas include: membership program, partners program, corporate sponsors, donations and a retail component including merchandise based on the stained-glass windows.

Last updated: May 26/26