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Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs; Mildred Dover, Minister of Education; and Dr. Satadal Dasgupta, Chair of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation Board, recently visited grade two French Immersion students at Glen Stewart School in Stratford and presented them with PEI Heritage Passports for free admission to three provincial museum sites this summer.

“This is the first time Museum and Heritage PEI is offering the student passport program,” said Dr. Dasgupta. “We hope these free passes will encourage families to discover that history and culture can provide enriching experiences that are fun for the whole family.”

“This is a wonderful program that government is happy to support,” said Minister MacFadyen. “Families can spend quality time together by visiting one, two or three museum sites this summer, with an added bonus of free admission for their elementary and intermediate school-aged children. I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Education Minister Mildred Dover said she hoped the free passes would be used by families who might not otherwise visit a museum. “Parents should check their children’s back packs for their passports and schedule a visit to the museum right away,” she said. “Children love to hear about days gone by and they need to know about their past to embrace their future. Museums bring history to life and they make learning fun for the whole family.”

Museum and Heritage PEI operates seven sites across the province under the umbrella of one museum. The seven provincial museum and heritage sites provide Islanders and visitors with an opportunity to discover Island heritage and culture, learn about the fishing, shipbuilding or agricultural heritage or delve into the Acadian history.

The Museum is administered by a Board of Governors and is funded through the provincial government and through admission fees, memberships, subscriptions, donations and sponsorships.

BACKGROUNDER

The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation operates one museum with seven sites, where Islanders and visitors can experience the stories that make us who we are.

Eptek Art & Culture Centre offers a diverse array of exhibits and programs featuring themes dedicated to history, science and the fine arts. Located at the west side of the Wyatt Centre, Summerside Waterfront Properties. For exhibit information and hours of operation, call 902-888-8373.

Green Park Shipbuilding Museum & Yeo House traces the history of the once mighty shipbuilding industry and the lifestyle of its wealthy owners. Located in Port Hill, Route 12, near Tyne Valley in Prince County. For more information call 902-831-7947, or e-mail green_park@gov.pe.ca

Musée acadien Audio-visual presentations, permanent and temporary exhibits and genealogy resources provide visitors an opportunity to discover treasures related to the Acadians' three hundred year presence on the Island. Located in Miscouche, on Route 2, west of Summerside. www.teleco.org/museeacadien

Beaconsfield Historic House is an enduring symbol of Victorian elegance with its mansard roof, elaborate gingerbread trim and crowning belvedere. It is located on the corner of Kent & West Streets in Charlottetown and is open daily for tours. Special appointments can be made by calling 368-6603.

Orwell Corner Historic Village allows visitors to experience life in a 1890s farming community complete with a blacksmith's shop, general store, house and barns and schoolhouse. Take part in Wednesday night ceilidhs, Thursday night variety shows and many other special events throughout the season. www.orwellcorner.isn.net or call 651-8510 for more information.

Basin Head Fisheries Museum tells the story of the Province's historic inshore fishery through its displays and artifacts. A boardwalk features access to a magnificent white sand beach, giftshops, food and beach services and a children's play village. Located 12 kilometers east of Souris on Route 16. For hours of operation call 357-7233 or email basin_head@gov.pe.ca

Elmira Railway Museum – Visitors can experience the railway system of a century ago through a recreated station house, which also features a display of maps and artifacts. The museum hosts a variety of special events, such as festivals, live music and dancing on the outdoor stage created from the base of an old flatcar. Located on Route 16A, Elmira Road. Call 357-7234 www.elmirastation.com or email info@elmirastation.com