The Eco-Museum
Sub-Committee
Revealing the tapestry of stories, landscapes, and a living heritage of the Codroy Valley
Who We Are
Our vision
The Codroy Valley Ecomuseum will offer an immersive experience that bridges the past and present while stimulating a thriving future. We aspire to reanimate our stunning landscape, built environment, and timeless traditions by harnessing the valuable knowledge and folklore of Codroy Valley elders, storytellers, tradition bearers, and young people alike. While exploring the diverse ecomuseum sites and trails dotting each of our 15 communities, visitors, friends, and tourists will hear captivating stories about our rich heritage and encounter interactive exhibits and activities that weave traditional customs and industries into an innovative present. With the enhanced sense of pride and stewardship accompanying a renewed appreciation for our unique heritage and environment, we envision the Codroy Valley as an ideal place to visit time and again, draw inspiration from, and call home.
What is an Ecomuseum?
Imagine wandering through the breathtaking Codroy Valley and encountering interactive stories and exhibits along the way. The Ecomuseum isn't a building with stuff in it; it is a multi-site "museum without walls" that lets you choose your own adventure based on what you want to explore. Each landmark, from the popular ones found in guidebooks to unassuming sites brimming with local legends, has a story to tell. Just by scanning a QR code, you'll be teleported to a grandmother's kitchen as she tells you how to forage the berries under your feet to make preserves. Or to a blustery day in 1955 when 70 men strapped rope around a house and hauled it one kilometre to where you are standing. You can watch a craftsperson spin wool while recounting the importance of sheep to the livelihoods of Codroy folk throughout history. You can visit haunted buildings, purchase souvenirs, taste artisanal food and drink, and try your hand at local crafts. Whatever you decide to do, the ecomuseum—and the community that makes it—will animate your visit in ways a conventional museum simply cannot, connecting you with the rich heritage beneath your feet and all around you.
Our goals for summer 2025
A fully functional ecomuseum experience that seamlessly integrates technology with the natural, social, and cultural landscape of the Codroy Valley through interactive and multi-sited exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops.
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An extensive archive of local knowledge and folklore from elders, storytellers, tradition bearers, and young people that contains historic and contemporary insights about various landmarks within each of the Codroy Valley's 15 communities.
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Heightened community pride and empowerment through the active participation of Codroy Valley residents in the interpretation, management, preservation, and display of their dynamic heritage.
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Enhanced environmental stewardship and sense of place among residents and visitors through educational activities about the valley's unique history, customs, human ecology, and diverse economies.
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A sustainable model of heritage conservation that boosts local tourism and development of the area by harnessing the valley's natural and cultural assets in a smart, ethical, and inclusive way.
Join Us!
The Community Association is always stronger with more volunteers and members. Please reach out to us with your interest in getting involved by sending us an email.
We have an active Facebook Group, "Codroy Valley Area Development Association," so we invite you to join that group to catch up on events and participate in the community conversation.
The Sub-Committee Members
We are your neighbours and friends in the community who want to contribute our time and energy to helping the community.
Roshni Caputo-Nimbark
EcoMuseum Sub-Committee Chair
I was born and raised in New York, and have called Newfoundland home since 2012. My partner and I run a small eco-inn in St. Andrew’s with a big garden and two awesome cats. Immersing myself in the beautiful Codroy Valley over the past 7 years has been a transformative experience. I've especially loved growing stuff, exploring the landscape, going to community events, and playing darts. Some of my favourite hobbies are reading, running, cooking, and going on outdoor adventures with the kitties.
As a doctoral student of folklore, I study intersections of commons, heritage, and queerness. I am inspired by the potential of ecomuseums to enhance sense of place and belonging within a community by opening up dialogues around memory, diverse economies, environmental stewardship, human creativity, care, and inclusivity. My dream is to see the Codroy Valley become a bustling hub where locals and newcomers draw on tradition and innovation to rebuild dynamic industries and forge thriving, sustainable futures.
Ron Laudadio
EcoMuseum Sub-Committee Vice-Chair
Board Chair (Millville)
Born and raised in Ontario, I am a proud father of two and deeply love the Codroy Valley. After spending 13 beautiful summer vacations here, I am drawn to its natural beauty and warm community. Now that my sons have begun their lives of independence, I moved to Newfoundland & Labrador and have called the Millville area my final home since June 2021. In a spirit of gratitude, I dedicate my skills and time to volunteer work - such as the CVADA, contributing to the community that has warmly welcomed me.
My career journey has taken me from being a Chief Technology Officer at IBM to launching the beloved children's product Webkinz with Ganz. Today, as the Director of North America and Part-Owner of EPiC Agile, a global consulting firm, I lead a wonderful organization of people who specialize in Business Agility Transformation; we aim to empower leaders so they create thriving organizations and champion the proven impact of positive work environments on extraordinary business success.
I look forward to connecting with you and contributing to our community.
Tracy Keeping
Ecomuseum Sub-Committee Member
I was born and raised in Newfoundland and married for almost 32 years, and Mother of two girls and Gemma to a nine-month-old Grandson. We lived in Nova Scotia as a military family for nearly 20 years and moved to Codroy Valley in 2010. I loved the province of Nova Scotia and still do, but I wanted our children to grow up with family and experience Newfoundland as we did as children. I am the Branch Manager at Atlantic Edge Credit Union in Doyles. I have been in Management in Sales and Finance for almost 30 years, and I always enjoy making a difference in the lives of people in our community. My love of helping others and living our best life in rural Newfoundland is why I volunteer as much time as possible when I’m not working or spending time with family. Outside of work and volunteering, our time with family and friends is spent in the great outdoors!!
Ruzhica Samokovlija Baruh
EcoMuseum Sub-Committee Member
I was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia, and spent 13 years living in Israel before relocating with my family to St. John's, Newfoundland in 2021.
I have pursued various paths in my professional and academic career, including roles as a cultural journalist and folklorist.
Central to these multifaceted experiences is my unwavering passion for museums. Within this domain, I have authored numerous reviews and critiques, and engaged in insightful interviews with artists and professionals alike in Macedonia and Canada.
As part of my doctoral studies in folklore in Newfoundland, I expanded this knowledge through engagement in various projects, particularly with St. John's Farmers Market, The Rooms, Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador, and Corner Brook Museum and Archive. My engagement at the crossroads of journalism, folklore, and museums has broadened my perspective and instilled a profound appreciation for the boundless avenues of knowledge and discovery.
As I look forward to the next chapter of my career, I am eager to leverage and apply these insights to a meaningful project, such as The Codroy Valley Ecomuseum.
Carolyn AuCoin
Board Member (Tompkins)
Social Sub-Committee
EcoMuseum Sub-Committee Member
I grew up at the Cape Anguille Lighthouse Station and, in later childhood, moved to the community of Codroy. My parents were Henry & Ruth Reid (Kendell). My father was a lighthouse keeper, and some of my greatest childhood memories surround my days living at the lighthouse station.
After graduating from Belanger Memorial High School, I attended the Memorial University of NL, where I completed a Bachelor of Education degree & a Master of Education degree. I began my teaching career in 1993 in the southwest coast community of LaPoile. Following my two years in LaPoile, I taught in Port aux Basques, Flat Bay and the Codroy Valley. I am presently a reading specialist/ teacher librarian & Grade 6 Math teacher at Belanger Memorial School. I am married to Darrin Aucoin, and we have a daughter & a son, Rebecca & Brady.
We live in the community of Tompkins with the beauty of the Long Range Mountains and the Little Codroy River in our backyard. I have been a member of the CVADA since 2018, and I am also a member of the Codroy Valley Folk Festival Committee. My greatest loves- are my family, my friends, my career and the beautiful place I call home- the Codroy Valley.
Carla Sheedy
EcoMuseum Sub-Committee Member
Trails Sub-Committee Member
Carla Sheedy, an Ontario native and lover of music and books, now calls the Codroy Valley of Newfoundland & Labrador her home. With her husband, a retired RCMP officer, and their two teenagers, Carla embodies a blend of familial warmth and professional dedication.
As a skilled virtual administrator, Carla assists entrepreneurs in managing administrative tasks, employing her expertise in office management and online platforms to optimize their business processes. Her work is marked by creativity, trustworthiness, and a knack for collaboration.
Apart from her professional role, Carla passionately engages with her community. She manages a B&B during the summer months, hosts guests from various corners of the globe, and actively participates in local events. Her contributions to the Codroy Valley Folk Festival and the Come Home Year celebrations showcase her commitment to her community.
Carla's journey from Muskoka, Ontario, to the vibrant Codroy Valley is a testament to her love for the east coast, shaped by her family's roots. In Carla, you find a harmonious blend of a dedicated professional, an avid community member, and a person deeply connected to her heritage and family.
Nancy Power
Ecomuseum Sub-Committee Member
Board Member (Tompkins)
Born and raised in Tompkins, Codroy Valley, I spent my university years at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in languages, followed by a degree in Education from Memorial University.
After living and working in different places, including a year in Japan teaching ESL, my husband and I settled in the Codroy Valley, where we are raising our two children and a new puppy. We spend much of our time enjoying the many activities our community and province offer. We also love a good board game night!
Having worked for a time as a French Immersion teacher, I am currently working with ESDC. I have been a CVADA member since 2018.
Cathy Peddle
EcoMuseum Sub-Committee Member
Hi, my name is Cathy Peddle. I was fortunate to grow up in two communities in the Codroy Valley. I spent most of my childhood in O'Regan's, where my father, Ron MacInnis, is from. My mother, Ada Parsons, missed the ocean so much that we eventually moved back to her home community of Codroy. I have one brother but many cousins, aunts, and uncles. With a large extended family, I have many fond memories from my childhood.
After university and a few years of teaching away, my husband, Jan Peddle, and I decided this was where we wanted to live and raise our family. Our three children have now grown up and gone to pursue their own interests and goals.
After 30 years of teaching, I was ready to retire in June. I look forward to devoting my free time to helping develop the ecomuseum. I am very proud of the Codroy Valley and feel there is so much history, culture, and stories to share.
