Heritage NL is compiling information on some influential families who had a significant impact on Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lebanese immigrants started coming to Newfoundland in the latter part of the 1800s.

Many established businesses in places like St. John’s, Bell Island, Botwood and Corner Brook, becoming well-known and respected members of the local community.

Terra Barrett, a public folklorist with Heritage NL says they’re interested in things like family stories and histories, memories from former employees, clippings, photos and ads.

She says they’ve already compiled a significant amount of information.

She says they often publish booklets on the information compiled during their research projects, but in this case, they already have 13 or 14 chapters on different families and their businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador.

The work they’ve done will be used in a presentation next week at The Rooms, and more contributions are welcome.

The presentation on Lebanese-Newfoundland heritage takes place at the theatre at The Rooms, from 2:30 to 3:30 on Thursday, November 25th.