The famous Amelia Earhart statue has been returned to the Town of Harbour Grace after being stolen and recovered in multiple pieces. The beloved monument, which was stolen last April, has now been handed back to local authorities following its discovery in a wooded area.
When the statue disappeared in April, many residents and officials feared it would never be seen again. The theft shocked the community, as the monument held significant historical and cultural value for the town. However, hope was restored earlier this month when the statue was found, though not in the condition anyone had hoped for.
The recovered statue was discovered cut into several pieces in a wooded area near Hearts Content. Despite the damage, town officials expressed relief that the monument had been found and could potentially be restored. The condition of the pieces and the circumstances of the discovery have raised questions about the motives behind the theft and vandalism.
Earlier this week, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police officially handed over all the recovered parts of the statue to town representatives. An ongoing investigation into the theft continues, though police have not released additional details about the case at this time. Authorities are still working to determine who was responsible for the crime and the subsequent damage to the historic monument.
Town officials have announced plans to restore the statue to its former glory. They will be collaborating with the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry, which is owned by Morgan MacDonald, one of the original artists who created the statue. This partnership ensures that the restoration will be handled by someone with intimate knowledge of the monument's original construction and artistic vision.
The restoration project is expected to be completed in time for a reinstallation this fall. Town officials are optimistic that the statue can be successfully pieced back together and returned to its prominent position, where it will once again serve as a tribute to the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart and her historic connection to Harbour Grace.
