Paul J. Johnson
Paul Johnson's contributions to the City of St. John's are to numerous to mention. He worked to preserve and present history and natural heritage of Newfoundland. The Johnson Family Foundation collaborated with other financial sponsors to fund over $50 million of work in over 20 projects including the Railway Coastal Museum, The Grand Concourse Authority, Harbourside Park, and the Johnson GEO Centre.
The Grand Concourse is an integrated 160-kilometre walkway system linking every major park, river, pond and green space in six municipalities on the northeast Avalon.
Among many accolades, Johnson received the Order of Canada, was made an honorary doctor of laws by Memorial University of Newfoundland, and was one of the first recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Gordon Barnes was very committed to the Railway Coastal Museum from the early days of its inception. He worked alongside Paul Johnson on the museum’s development and the building’s renovations. Gordon was an educator and taught psychology at Memorial University. His leadership skills saw him serve as Commanding Officer of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and he was a great supporter of the Royal Newfoundland Regimental Museum. He was later promoted to Brigadier General and commanded the Atlantic Militia District. Gordon's public service included being Private Secretary to two Lieutenants Governor, Jim McGrath and Fred Russell. Under Gordon’s direction, as General Manager until 2018, the Railway Coastal Museum became an invaluable contributor to the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and heritage.
Gordon Barnes
Gallery
The Railway Coastal Museum has been fortunate to have the support of many volunteers over the years. Volunteers have enhanced the overall visitor experience by sharing their stories. We would particularly like to thank the members of the CN Pensioners Association for all that they have done to help the museum. The pictures in the gallery below celebrate the efforts of our volunteers, board members and staff who continue to preserve and interpret Newfoundland's railway and coastal boat heritage.
