The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday, March 22, 2026, to celebrate people and groups who help preserve the history of Prince Edward Island. The event took place at the Eptek Art & Culture Centre in Summerside, where community members gathered to recognize local efforts in culture and conservation.
The ceremony featured 14 different award categories, including the Award of Honour and the Architectural Conservation Project of the Year. These awards highlight work in areas like family history, natural heritage, and youth activism. According to the foundation’s official award records, the program has been running for nearly 50 years to thank those who keep Island stories alive.
The awards were held at one of the foundation’s three year-round museum sites. The Eptek Art & Culture Centre is named after the Mi’kmaq word for “warm spot” and hosts various exhibits on art, history, and science throughout the year. The foundation itself is a provincial organization that manages seven heritage sites and looks after more than 100,000 historical items.
While the ceremony was open to the general public, seating was prioritized for the award winners and their guests. The event provided a space for residents to learn about the various projects happening across the province to maintain local traditions. Previous ceremonies, such as the 2024 awards, have featured presentations by the Lieutenant Governor to recognize a wide range of volunteers and professionals.
This year’s ceremony in Summerside follows a busy month for local history enthusiasts. In February, residents observed Heritage Week, which included stories about the 150th anniversary of the local raceway. The annual awards continue this focus on the community by honouring those who work to protect the unique character of the province.
