A Food Security Legacy
The root cellars of Twillingate are lasting structures representing a rich fishing and farming culture on Newfoundland’s northeast coast. The harsh climate demanded a reliable, accessible structure in which to store root vegetables in winter. The root cellars of Twillingate are almost all above ground, a necessity given the rocky terrain. Root cellars have an inner concrete core, covered in soil and vegetation. Current structures range from 20 to 170 years old. Most are no longer in use and should be explored with caution.
Research
The catalogue of root cellars within this website highlights the research of the Otto & Louise Sansome.
In 2008 the Twillingate citizens photographed, documented history and noted the location of 232 root cellars. The work was possible given their strong connections throughout Twillingate from a lifetime of working in the community. Otto was a trained mechanic; his innate ability to solve complex issues was a perfect fit for organizing root cellars. Otto passed away in December, 2015. Louise partnered on this project, organizing and recording the information Otto gained from his conversations and visits in the community. In 2016 she assisted in mapping all the root cellars.
​
Root cellars continue to be sought, and currently there are 234 documented.
Mapping Root Cellars
Troy Mitchell is Otto and Louise’s son-in-law and has been involved in international food security since 2005. Currently a board member with SeedChange. He encouraged Otto to document the location and history of Twillingate root cellars in 2008. Troy has compiled Otto and Louise’s work within this website and worked with Louise to map each root cellar.
Root Cellar Crew
Troy Mitchell
