Hoffnungsthal: the archaeology and architecture of the first Moravian mission to the Labrador Inuit, 1752

Abstract

In 2001, full-scale archaeological investigations were carried out in Nisbet Harbour, Labrador, at Hoffnungsthal, the site of the first Moravian mission station to the Labrador Inuit. When completed, the excavations had revealed several architectural features of the mission house, and uncovered thousands of artefacts dating to the few weeks in the summer of 1752 when the missionaries built and occupied the site. This thesis gives a history of the 1752 expedition, describes the archaeological findings made in Nisbet Harbour, then reconstructs the mission house based on available archaeological and historical data. Finally, Hoffnungsthal's form and design is discussed with reference to its historical, architectural, and cultural context.