January 16, 2014
Public
Archives provides a glimpse of the Island’s past
Tourism and
Culture
A
new almanac from the Public Archives and Records Office will provide readers
with an overview of life on Prince Edward Island 150 years ago and will be a
great addition to the 2014 celebrations, says Minister of Tourism and Culture
Robert Henderson.
“This
new almanac gives a month by month accounting of important events that occurred
here on the Island in 1864 and explores different themes including land issues,
major towns and even fashion,” says Minister Henderson. “It is an excellent
resource for history buffs and for anyone that has an interest in learning
about life on Prince Edward Island in the mid-1800s, or keeping a diary of
events and activities in 2014. It also aligns perfectly with one of the primary
goals of the 2014 celebrations – honouring the past.”
One
thousand copies of The Public Archives 2014
Almanac and Miscellany Celebrating 1864: A look at Prince Edward Island in the
Year of the Charlottetown Conference will be published by the
Queen’s Printer. Copies will be made available for borrowing from all public
libraries on Prince Edward Island and will be given out at special heritage
events throughout the year. A free, downloadable, electronic version of the
Almanac is also available on the Public Archives and Records office website.
“Staff
at the Public Archives conducted an intensive search of records to locate
references to the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 and other important events
held throughout that year,” said Provincial Archivist Jill MacMicken-Wilson.
“The intent of the project is to make Islanders and visitors more aware of the
important events of 1864 and the celebrations of 2014, and to perhaps introduce
Islanders to the lost practice of record keeping in almanacs.”
Not
only does the almanac provide a glimpse of the Island’s history, but it also
gives individuals an opportunity to keep records of events in 2014. A monthly
2014 calendar is provided in each chapter as well as several blank pages for
record keeping. There are also advertisements from 1864, diary entries, photos,
clippings from various publications and other items from the Public Archives.
To
celebrate, the Public Archives is holding a draw to give away 200 hard copies
of the 1864 Almanac. To enter simply send an email containing your name,
address and phone number to almanac@gov.pe.ca.
The draw will be made on Heritage Day in February.
To
download a pdf or e-book version of the Almanac, visit www.gov.pe.ca/archives.
Also see Guardian newspaper article online...
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