COMMUNITY
Railway history
The PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation extends an invitation to anyone of all ages interested in Island railway history to attend a public meeting and workshop, May 3 in the Beaconsfield Carriage house, 2 Kent Street, at 10 am.
The program will be varied including films, individual and group presentations with ties to railway history and discussions about Island railway museums, future goals and issues of common interest. Other topics will include exploring ways of raising public awareness of Island railway history, repatriation of railway equipment, and conservation tips on preserving railway artifacts. People are also invited to bring along any railway memorabilia or photos and share stories about the Island railroad.
A light luncheon and refreshments will be offered. Registration opens at 9:30 am. The program should end by 3 pm. For info call Tom LeClair at 651-8513.
Lady Constable Fundraiser
In May 1847 the barque The Lady Constable left Liverpool with 419 Irish people on board bound for Canada to escape the irish famine of 1845-50. Tragedy struck during the passage when fever broke out and twenty-five passengers died and were buried at sea. The ship arrived in Charlottetown Harbour on May 21 and was placed in quarantine. Eight people died shortly thereafter and up to thirty died before the sickness abated. They are buried in the old cemetery on Longworth Avenue. The Benevolent Irish Society is in the process of erecting a memorial to commemorate this event as part of the larger tragedy of the Famine. Fundraising for this purpose continues with a special Ceili on May 2 at the Society Hall on North River Road. The Ceili will feature the music and songs of the Chaisson Trio—Peter, Kevin, and Lemmie. Everyone welcome to come out in support of a great cause.