Born and raised on Bell Island, both of Brian’s grandfathers and their fathers before them, worked the mines for many years. His family made their way here from Harbour Main and Colliers, NL, respectively. Now, according to Brian himself, he and his wife (also a Bell Islander) are all that’s left.
Brian’s family history has provided him with many stories to share of 6-day weeks and 10-hour days spent mining ore deep beneath the sea. Of particular interest to him is the key role Bell Island played during WWII and how the mines supplied Canada and England with ore to help with the war effort.
Brian is proud of his role as a Bell Island tour guide and the opportunity it gives him to share the enduring legacies of the miners of the past. In fact, he says the job makes him feel like he’s continuing on with his grandfather’s work. If you’ve got questions, he’s more than happy to answer them.
Brian Hickey
