Thank you to the descendants of the PEI Fathers of Confederation who attended the reception, tours, history circle and the “Descendants of the Fathers of Confederation Pace” that our Society hosted from September 11 to 13, 2014. It was a pleasure to meet you and show you around the Island of your ancestors.
Sept 11, 2014 Welcome Descendants
The Welcome Reception featured a perfect meet and greet atmosphere. Cousins who had never met face to face did so for the first time. Some of the descendants of the PEI Fathers of Confederation are pictured here as the evening unfolded. Special thanks to volunteers with the society and to the Campbell family for providing the venue for the Society to host the event. Click on the photos for a larger view.
Genealogists and writer on the project team thank the volunteer caterer!
Project Genealogist Linda Harding meets the descendants of W H Pope she has researched.
John Hamilton Gray descendants meet William Henry Pope descendants
PEIGS President Fred Horne and Project Manager Bob Pierce greet T H Haviland descendant Sandra George Diorio
Fiddler Caitlin MacAulay entertained.
Minister Robert Henderson meets fiddler Caitlin MacAulay.
Descendants and genealogical society volunteers relaxed for the festivities.
Volunteer Sheila Robinson wears her 1864 gown and reads the newest publication of the PEIGS, “Confederation Connections: Finding the Fathers’ Families”, about tracking down the descendants of the PEI Fathers of Confederation and documenting the respective family stories and family trees.
Descendants from Ottawa and the west coast had a great time mingling, including Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson.
Sept 12, 2014 History Circle presentation by Dr Edward MacDonald
Dr Ed MacDonald’s presentation on the PEI Fathers of Confederation featured a thumbnail sketch on each of the seven Fathers. It was delivered with good humour and a straight forward presentation of the facts. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Please click on the photos for a larger view.
Emcee Bob Pierce introduces historian Dr Ed MacDonald.
Dr Ed elaborates on a point concerning W H Pope whose freshly minted bronze statue is pictured on the screen.
Descendants of the Fathers assembled at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House for the presentation.
Wherein it is explained that W H Pope did not row himself out onto the Charlottetown Harbour to meet the Canadian Delegates!
The “Grays” have fun organizing the next day’s John Hamilton Gray tour with coordinator Richard Savidant.
Descendants of W H Pope join genealogist Linda Harding for a Family Circle photo.
Descendants of John Hamilton Gray in their Family Circle photo.
Cousins of the direct descendants of George Coles join in a Family Circle after Dr Ed MacDonald’s talk. Also present is genealogical researcher Linda Harding.
Sept 13, 2014 Tours
Descendants of the Fathers followed in the footsteps of their famous ancestor during the custom designed tours presented by the Genealogical Society on Saturday. Highlights included a visit to Government House “Fanningbank”, family homes where known (extant or not) and other Island buildings that are part of the legacy. Final resting places were included and a tour of PEI Brewing Company proved popular especially given the Confederation Theme the company has adopted as part of its brand.
The PEI Genealogical Society thanks the descendants who took part and hopes that our efforts have enhanced the special connection that you have with Prince Edward Island. September 13 was a beautiful day and many photos were taken. Here are a few, please click on the photos for a larger view. (There are more to come, stay tuned)
Fanningbank, which is the home of the Queen’s representative, the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island looked spectacular in the morning sun.
The John Hamilton Gray and the Thomas Heath Haviland descendants posed on the front steps of Fanningbank.
Haviland descendant Sandra George and Gary Diorio visit the gravesite and Historic Sites and Monuments Board plaque for Thomas Heath Haviland.
The Haviland descendants visit the new bronze sculpture of W H Pope on the Charlottetown Waterfront.
Descendants of William Henry Pope pose with the bronze sculpture of their ancestor, who seems pleased!