The Rorke Store Museum on Water Street in Carbonear's Heritage District is the oldest museum in the town. Built in 1874 by the Rorke family firm, it is still standing strong due to its impressive structural construction and is an icon in the town and region. It proudly houses the 'Balancing the Scales" exhibit which chronicles (along with the history of the Rorke family business) the strong connection to all aspects of the fishery, particularly the Labrador fishery and the life of the "stationer" who pursued it.

The realism of the story of the generations-old connection to the Labrador coast includes the early acquisition of premises on Venison Island and St. Francis Harbour, and is not merely a snapshot of the life of a stationer but tells a compelling story through a unique collection of images and original artifacts. A walk through this exhibit in the company of interpreters will serve to broaden the understanding of how women's work contributed as much as the men's to this fishery and how the demands of this work impacted family life year-round.

Your journey conducted by interpreters will take you "down to the Labrador" through the medium of this absorbing exhibit and will allow you to come face to face with a way of life that although no longer in existence, has had a profound effect on the lives of those whose reality was in its participation.     

Seasons Open: Summer and off season by request: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hours Open: Fees: $5 single, $15 family with an All Aboard Pass available for all three museums within the town of Carbonear.

Site is wheelchair-accessible on the main floor where the exhibit is located.

Not amenable to pets.