Escuminac, 1959

 “Escuminac Disaster Monument Named Provincial Historic Site” , 2001

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The Escuminac Disaster Monument, created in memory of one of the most tragic natural disasters in the province, has been designated a provincial historic site. The announcement was made today by Education Minister Elvy Robichaud, the minister responsible for the Culture and Sport Secretariat.

"The Escuminac Disaster Monument is a symbol of how this community, region and province responds to a terrible natural tragedy," Robichaud said. "The monument is important for keeping memories of the disaster alive, the many acts of heroism, and the lives lost."

Between June 19 and June 20, 1959, about 140 fisherman from the Escuminac area were on the fishing grounds in Northumberland Strait when a terrible storm struck. Although there were many acts of heroism, 35 fishermen died.

In response to the disaster, the Escuminac Disaster Monument was created by New Brunswick artist Claude Roussel with the support of Brigadier Wardell, Lord Beaverbrook, and the local community. In 1969 the sculpture was erected on the site and maintained there ever since by the Port Authority of Escuminac.

Nominated by local historian Harold Adams, the Escuminac Disaster Monument site joins a list of over 100 sites in New Brunswick designated by the province under the Historic Sites Protection Act. This designation is one of a group of fourteen sites around the province that have the added distinction of being Millennium Historic Sites, celebrating the new millennium.

The Provincial Historic Site Designation commemorative plaque for the Escuminac Disaster Monument will be unveiled at a public ceremony at 12 noon on Sunday, July 8 at the Escuminac Wharf.

Source: New Brunswick. Culture and Sport Secretariat. “Escuminac Disaster Monument named provincial historic site” , 4 July 2001 (Press Release NB650).