Spend some time this winter at a Prince Edward Island museum site, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie.
“Three Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation sites are open year-round, offering activities such as genealogy, art, book clubs and films,” said Minister Currie. “A visit to a local museum is a great way to spend a few hours on a wintery day, while learning about our Island heritage.”
Investigate Acadian family roots through the onsite genealogy resources at the Acadian Museum in Miscouche. Visitors from near and far have researched their family history using genealogical information in this collection. While visiting, follow the odyssey of Island Acadians through artifacts, an interpretive video and exhibits which showcase the multifaceted aspects of Acadian history and culture.
At the Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside, “Northern Lights Quilt Guild: A Quilting Retrospective” features a variety of piecework ranging from small personal items to full-size quilts. The Revisiting Diana exhibit explores some of the late Diana Lemire Savidant's paintings. From late February into April, the Kensington Art Co-op’s exhibition will be on display, focusing on still life and landscapes. The Eptek Book Club meets each month and the Friends of Eptek Centre hosts video screenings every Thursday at noon.
Beaconsfield Historic House in Charlottetown is open year-round for tours and hosts lectures, concerts and other special events in the Carriage House. Beaconsfield Historic House stands as a fine example of Victorian architecture with many wonderful features intact and has a fascinating story to tell.
“For those winter days that are unfit for travel, the Public Archives and Records Office offers searchable online collections related to genealogy, Island history and more,” said Minister Currie. “I encourage all Islanders to be lifelong learners and explore our Island culture during the winter months.”
The Acadian Museum, Eptek Art & Culture Centre, and Beaconsfield Historic House are among the seven museum and gallery sites administered by the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation. For more information on the seven museum sites, including winter hours of operation and event listings, visit www.peimuseum.com or call 902-368-6600.
The Public Archives and Records Office in Charlottetown makes records available for public research, including historical records of the Government of Prince Edward Island, as well as private sector records of historical value. Visit http://www.gov.pe.ca/archives/ for a list of winter hours, along with a collection of online records.