PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation

2024 Governors’ Awards

The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation was awarded with a Governors’ Award for the project “Black Islanders – Four Centuries and Counting.” 

Located at Beaconsfield Historic House in Charlottetown, PEI and curated by the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation with invaluable contributions from families of Black Islanders, the Black Islanders: Four Centuries and Counting photo exhibition brought to light the often untold stories and significant contributions of PEI’s Black community. Launched on Emancipation Day, August 1, 2024, this exhibition highlighted over four centuries of Black history on the island, celebrating resilience, culture, and the deep-rooted legacy of Black Islanders. 

The exhibition featured previously unseen photos shared by local Black families, capturing moments from everyday life—from enjoying a candy apple at the Exhibition to celebrating a boxing victory—alongside images that speak to the challenges and hardships endured by Black Islanders. Its aim was not only to uncover the lesser-known history of Black Islanders but also to reflect contemporary Black life and culture in PEI. 

The Black Cultural Society of PEI played an essential role in this groundbreaking exhibit, connecting with Black families whose stories span generations and helping to foster a community-centered approach. This exhibition was a milestone in expanding the narrative of PEI’s heritage, bringing diverse stories to the forefront and allowing all Islanders to see themselves represented within the island’s shared history. 

The National Trust for Canada’s Board of Governors has chosen to recognize the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation with a Governors’ Award for their Black Islanders: Four Centuries and Counting photo exhibition – because this significant project is an example of how heritage conservation can advance inclusion and diversity. 

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