The Catholic Diocesan Archives of Prince Edward Island are undergoing an extensive transformation within their current location. They are being updated with a renovated space at the Diocese of Charlottetown as part of an essential initiative to establish a formal archives program and heritage center.
Bishop Joseph recently met with Debra Majer, Archivist from the Diocese of London; Fr. Chris Sherren, Chancellor of the Diocese of Charlottetown; Lindsey Winstone, Archivist from the Sisters of St. Martha; Simon Lloyd, Archivist and Special Collections with UPEI Robertson Library; Lesley Casely, Registrar and Acting Curator of Collections and Conservator, PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation; Meg Preston, Digitization Coordinator, PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation; Sam Vail, seminarian; Mike White, State Deputy, Knights of Columbus; and Sandra Bourque, Executive Assistant to the Bishop. This was a collaborative meeting to share information and determine how to support each other throughout this ongoing project.
This coordinated approach will support the management and long-term preservation of our Diocesan Archives. As more and more items are uncovered, a massive artifactual component is emerging. There is a large collection of chalices, monstrances, and other vessels used in liturgical services from over 100 years ago.
A rare find are iron host makers that were recently uncovered, something that was being seen by the archivists for the first time!
The Diocesan Archives will offer access to unique, rare, and historic resources for future generations, particularly academic researchers from many different disciplines, and also amateur, local, and professional historians.
Debra Majer, Archivist with the Diocese of London, recently shared, “It should also be noted that this historic Catholic collection is an extension of the wider PEI history as it is a continuation of the social and built history of the Island.”
It is the hope moving forward that the Diocese of Charlottetown Diocesan Archives can be designed to share the history and story of Catholic Islanders, clergy, and Bishops, who have made significant contributions to the Catholic Church on Prince Edward Island through the creation of hospitals, educational institutions, Catholic institutions, as well as Catholic organizations and societies.
In the future, we are confident that we will be able to present public exhibits and events that honor the unique contributions of Catholic Islanders and the clergy and Bishops who were their shepherds.