Charlottetown Presents Heritage Awards

Charlottetown Celebrates Heritage Day
Posted on 05/09/2023
Charlottetown, PE - The City of Charlottetown celebrated Heritage Day, Tuesday, May 9, with an awards ceremony to honour individuals and organizations in the community who have worked diligently to preserve and celebrate the City’s heritage.

“In a time when we’ve seen so much rapid change in our lives, I’m really happy for this chance to celebrate the citizens in our community who help preserve the heritage of the Birthplace of Confederation,” said Mayor Philip Brown. “We move forward in a more thoughtful and considered way when we respect what went before.”

Historian Gordy McCarville received the Catherine G. Hennessey Award for his extensive work documenting and promoting Charlottetown’s history. This award was established in 2011 to honour the long-time historian, author and heritage activist, and is presented annually to an individual or group whose efforts have increased the appreciation of Charlottetown, stimulated love for the community, or helped shape the city. McCarville’s publications on long-lasting businesses such as Hickey and Nicholson as well as his collection of artefacts related to local business will provide accurate and authoritative information on city history for generations to come.

“On behalf of Mayor and Council, congratulations to Gordy McCarville on this well-deserved award,” said Deputy Mayor Alanna Jankov, Chair of the Planning and Heritage Committee. “Much like Catherine Hennessey, Gordy McCarville has researched, documented and shared numerous aspects of the capital’s history with generations. From teaching at Charlottetown Rural High School to his latest works celebrating local businesses, Gordy exhibits an admirable enthusiasm and passion for history.”

2023 Charlottetown Heritage Day Award Recipients

Lynne Thiele – Esther of Farringford

For her book chronicling the history of the Haviland Club and the woman who built the house formerly known as Farringford.

Steve Dunn and Spencer Campbell – 24 Water Street, The Warehouse

For the sensitive exterior restoration of the 1860s former ship chandlery turned apartment building.

Dr. Alan MacEachern and Dr. Edward MacDonald – The Summer Trade: A History of Tourism on Prince Edward Island

For their scholarly work that explores the history of tourism and its impact on Island culture from the Victorian period to the 2020’s. The associated exhibit of the same title delighted locals and visitors alike through the tourist season (and shoulder season) of 2022. 

Linda Hennessey – Long term researcher and presenter of Black History on PEI

For her over thirty years of research, uncovering and sharing the stories of Prince Edward Island’s Black families with their descendants and the public via speaking engagements, exhibits and podcasts.

Derrick McQuaid – 129 Pownal Street

For his sensitive restoration of the 1884 former double tenement and Catholic Family Services building.

The Native Council of Prince Edward Island, Chief Lisa Cooper – Honouring Our Elders Photo Wall 

For the Council’s project that captures and displays the images of First Nations Elders. The Elders are a testament to the strength of character and resilience of this community and the project serves to acknowledge them as the storytellers, keepers of knowledge and collective history.

Katherine Dewar – We’ll Meet Again: Prince Edward Island Women of the Second World War

For her work as an educator, lecturer, author and genealogist promoting women’s history and recent book that tells the stories of Island women who served in the Second World War.

Dave D.A. Stewart – Before Grindr – The Secret History of Gay and Lesbian PEI series

For producing a group of videos that offers a throwback to the 1970’s and 1980’s where life as a member of the Gay and Lesbian community on the Island was generally kept secret. These videos uncover and preserve the social history of the the community on PEI pre-internet.

Jacqueline Sorenson and Rick Young – 32 Pownal Street

For their sympathetic maintenance and improvements to the Lockett House, a brick home built just after the Great Fire of 1866 destroyed the original wooden building that stood on the site.

D. Scott MacDonaldThrough the Grace of God: A History of Zion Presbyterian Church, Charlottetown Prince Edward Island 1847-2022  

For his latest work that chronicles the history of Zion Presbyterian Church, its congregation and development.

Fred MacDonaldA Tale of Two Fiddlers

For his book that chronicles sports and daily life in Charlottetown during 2023 Charlottetown Heritage Day Award Recipients

For more information about Heritage Day 2023, contact the Planning and Heritage Department at: 902-629-4158.