Twillingate prides itself as the birthplace of a world renowned opera star. Georgina Sterling was born in 1867, the youngest daughter of Twillingate’s first doctor, William Sterling. After showing early signs of possessing a remarkable soprano voice, she was sent to train in Italy and later toured Italy and the United States to wide acclaim. Her career was cut short when she contracted an illness that caused her to lose her voice and she returned to Twillingate where she died in 1935. In 1964, the still proud citizens of Twillingate erected a headstone to mark her grave and inscribed it: The nightingale of the North sang fairer than the larks of Italy. She entertained royalty by her voice, the poor by the kindness of her heart.

Using Facebook or Instagram, you can try on Georgina Stirling’s hat.