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In 2015, to mark the 250th anniversary of the completion of Samuel Holland’s map of Prince Edward Island a series of promotional and educational activities will pay tribute to Captain Holland.

“Samuel Holland’s work was a great influence on the development of Prince Edward Island. This important anniversary is an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of his map on our province,” said Premier Robert Ghiz.

Various public activities including a monthly lecture series, an education program integrated into the school curriculum for multiple grade levels, as well as an overall awareness campaign will commemorate the 250th anniversary. The highlight of the Samuel Holland 250 Commemorations will be the restoration and display of Samuel Holland's original 1765 map of Prince Edward Island which will be part of an exhibit at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery later this year.

The Samuel Holland 250 Commemorations Committee is spearheading the commemorations under the leadership of Chair David Keenlyside, Executive Director of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, with His Honour, Lieutenant Governor H. Frank Lewis, serving as the Committee’s Honourary Chair.

“We are very pleased and grateful that His Honour, H. Frank Lewis, has graciously agreed to serve as the Honourary Chair of the Samuel Holland 250 Commemorations Committee,” said David Keenlyside. “The Lieutenant Governor avidly supports promoting Prince Edward Island’s history and heritage. He will be a wonderful, energetic champion of the many activities organized to commemorate this important anniversary.”

Additional commemoration activities will be announced over the coming months. Samuel Holland 250 supporting partners include the Province of Prince Edward Island, PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation, Holland College, University of Prince Edward Island, Confederation Centre of the Arts, City of Summerside, City of Charlottetown and Parks Canada.

“The 250th anniversary of the completion of Captain Holland’s map is another excellent opportunity to celebrate our history and to pass to the next generation an appreciation of major influences in the development of PEI's special character,” said His Honour, H. Frank Lewis. “I am delighted to be part of these important commemorations.”

In 1764-65, surveyor Samuel Holland, Surveyor General for British North America, created the first truly modern, accurate map of Prince Edward Island. Holland’s map shaped Prince Edward Island’s settlement, patterns of land ownership, the familiar place-names that dot the landscape, and even its status as a province. The focus of the Samuel Holland 250 commemorations will be to educate Islanders and visitors about Samuel Holland, the historical significance of the map, its profound influence on the Island identity, and how it continues to define Prince Edward Island today. The commemorations will also provide an ideal opportunity to celebrate and explore Prince Edward Island.