Ninety-four years after Ameila Earhart departed Harbour Grace on her groundbreaking solo journey across the Atlantic, her bronze likeness has been restored to the community following its theft roughly a year ago. The return of Earhart’s statue has been a source of joy and relief for locals like Doug Moores, who see it as a symbol of normalcy returning to Harbour Grace.
The statue, which was stolen from a municipal park in April 2025, garnered significant attention across the province. It was later discovered in pieces near a forest access road between Victoria and Heart’s Content. Renowned sculptor Morgan MacDonald from Newfoundland and Labrador undertook the task of reconstructing the sculpture, with the unveiling ceremony taking place recently. MacDonald expressed his gratitude for being entrusted with the restoration project.
For individuals like Sam Bruce and Lynn Pike, the statue’s reinstatement holds personal significance as it represents a connection to their family history. Lynn Pike’s father, Roger Pike, had strong ties to aviation in Harbour Grace and donated the statue in 2007, along with the Spirit of Harbour Grace plane situated nearby. Both Bruce and Pike expressed their emotional attachment to the statue and the community’s support during its return.
The community of Harbour Grace has welcomed the return of the iconic statue with open arms, celebrating its homecoming as a testament to their resilience and unity.