Dr. Henry N. Payne Community Museum

Cow Head is the home of the longest running museum on the west coast of Newfoundland. Founded in 1975 as Tete de Vache Museum the name was changed in 1999 to the Dr. Henry N. Payne Community Museum when the museum relocated to the home of Dr. and Mrs. Henry N. Payne. The museum exhibits a collection of community artifacts dating back to the early 19th century.

Come join us and view our many domestic artifacts, depicting early life in a small fishing outport. Read all about the Axe Murders and view the murder weapon, see a 700 year old walrus skull and our archaeological artifact exhibit.Learn about our history.

Let us take you back in time!

About the Collections

A catalogued collection dating back to the 1800's and beyond
You can view the axe from the axe murders, a 700 year old walrus skull, exhibits on domestic life, photographs and books.View our archaelogical exhibit

Approximate number of objects in the collections: 1000

Archives

all our archival collection is catalogued as part of our museum collection

Photographs • Textual Records

Decorative Arts

Ceramics, Porcelain or Pottery • Furniture or Furnishings • Glass • Musical Instruments • Textiles or Tapestries

Human History

the history of Cow Head and surrounding area and the life of Dr. and Mrs. Henry N. Payne
the history of our first settlers and our aboriginal people
history of our Prominent women (coming soon)

Archaeological Objects • Fisheries • Forestry • Furniture or Furnishings • Household Objects or Domestic Technology • Local History • Maps, Charts, Plans or Blueprints • Medals • Medical History and Technology • Musical Instruments • Religious or Liturgical Objects • Stamps • Toys and Games • Imaging : Photographs • Transportation

Natural Sciences

Plants and Animals (Biological Collections)
Scientific Specimens • Aquatic Organisms • Botany • Zoology

Services & Activities

Guided tours, interpretational tours for students and groups

An array of local handcrafted items: hand-knit sweaters, socks, mittens, hats, pottery,jewellry, local jams bath products and T-shirts can be purchased in our gift shop

Educational Programs

guided tours and history of local area

School Programs

Visitor Services

Guided tours and history of local area
Gift Shop

Guided Tours : English • Accessible by Public Transportation • Information Centre or Desk • Meeting Room Rental • Nature Trails, Walks or Gardens • Parking Facilities : Free : Bus • Gift shop • Special Needs Facilities : Parking : Signs : Washrooms : Wheelchair access • Washrooms • Audio Guides : English • Children's Activities or Services
Other Guided Tours: In our area

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services Available

Number of Volunteers: 12

Activities: overseeing and running museum

Publications and Products

t-shirts ,pottery, hand-knit sweaters, socks, mittens and hats, pottery, and local jams

Newsletters • Postcards • T-Shirts or Sweatshirts or Caps
Other: Newfoundland scenery prints

Featured Images

Map