The Shrine of Marymount, a 5 metre statue of the Virgin Mary, stands guard over the historic town. Marystown is surrounded by rolling, forested hills, with popular scenic hiking trails. The town has a professional track and field complex, soccer pitch, ice rink, two softball diamonds and a seasonal swimming pool. Other attractions include Marystown Heritage Museum, Jerome Walsh\'s Seamens Museum, and the Marystown Public Library.
Situated at the head of Mortier Bay, one of the largest ice-free harbours in eastern North America, the area was first settled in the 16th century. The town’s large fish processing plant, which at its peak employed over 1000 people, still remains viable, despite the loss of much of the cod-fishing industry. Shipbuilding in Mortier Bay goes back centuries, and has included the manufacture of everything from dories to World War 2 minesweepers and tugs. This shipbuilding tradition continues today, and now includes marine technology and support for off shore oil platforms.
Marystown is a friendly, unpretentious town of 5,400 people. In the words of the mayor, “Where else could you knock on someone\'s door to ask for directions only to be invited in for a cup of tea or something stronger?”
This museum recaptures the past through the use of artifacts, pictures and film.