Cooperative initiative tells the story of Province House National Historic Site and the Charlottetown Conference of 1864
May 29, 2015 – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - Parks Canada
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, along with Jessie Inman, Chief Executive Officer, Confederation Centre of the Arts, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to launch The Story of Confederation. Through a variety of heritage experiences, The Story of Confederation presents the birth of the nation story in innovative ways. The program will be offered in the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ Upper Foyer and on the historic grounds surrounding Province House National Historic Site.
The Story of Confederation features a stunning replica of the historical Confederation Chamber where the Fathers of Confederation met during the Charlottetown Conference. This replica, which boasts of fine Island craftsmanship, makes use of the 25-foot ceilings in the foyer to present the grandeur and scale of the Chamber where history was made. The Story of Confederation also offers interpretation from the popular Confederation Centre heritage program, The Confederation Players.
The exhibit features a new Parks Canada’s film, entitled A Building of Destiny, which transports viewers back in time to the first eight days in September 1864 when history was made at Province House that would change the face of North America. This film also showcases related themes, including the First Nations context at the time of Confederation and the role of women in Victorian society.
Beginning in July for the peak visitor season, a kiosk located between Province House and Confederation Centre of the Arts will offer reception and orientation for The Story of Confederation and serve as a point of sale for Confederation Players walking tours and other Charlottetown Festival offerings.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Jennifer Stewart
Communications Officer
Parks Canada, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
jennifer.stewart@pc.gc.ca
Fraser McCallum
Communications Manager
Confederation Centre of the Arts
902-628-6135
fmccallum@confederationcentre.com
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
