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The plaque program is part of the province’s on-going commitment to increased awareness of heritage places in the province. D. E. Clarke’s General Store, St. Andrew’s Church and the community school in the Orwell Corner Historic Village are three of the 19 buildings province wide designated as Heritage Places and eligible to have a plaque on display highlighting their historic significance and designation under the Heritage Places Protection Act.

The Orwell Corner Historic Village opened to the public for the season on Monday, May 29, and Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Elmer MacFadyen, accompanied by Richard LePage, Chair of the Pioneer Village of Orwell Incorporated, Dr. Satadal Dasgupta, Chair of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation Board, and Dale Murphy, local Board member, took the opportunity to tour the site and view the new Heritage plaques on the buildings.

“The plaques are a significant addition to these sites and should generate some interest this summer,” said the Minister. “In addition to identifying the buildings as historic properties, the plaques are great conversation pieces, which could lead into discussions about the historical significance of these buildings and how important it is that we preserve this part of our heritage.”

The Orwell Corner Historic Village, which first opened to the public in 1973, gives visitors the opportunity to experience the charm and activities of a small agricultural community of the 1890s. The village contains a blacksmith's shop, general store, barns, gardens and an old schoolhouse. The buildings are furnished with artifacts from the Provincial Collection.

Orwell Corner is owned by the Province of Prince Edward Island and administered by the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation and the Orwell Corner Pioneer Village Corporation, with support from various departments of government as well as revenues generated.

Richard LePage, Chair, Pioneer Village of Orwell Incorporated, says the historic village is looking forward to a successful season. “We hope both visitors and Islanders will join us again this summer for our Wednesday night ceilidhs, Thursday night variety shows and many other special events throughout the season.”

For listings of recognized Prince Edward Island heritage places, as well as those listed from across the country, visit www.historicplaces.ca.