History buffs invited to linger at the libraries

History buffs have long been drawn to Prince Edward County to explore the history of the Loyalists, prohibition-era Rum Runners and much more. At the County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives we field a wide range of inquiries on local history, everything from identifying graves in local cemeteries to finding just the right local history book to help you explore areas of interest.

The library is a member of the Ameliasburgh Heritage Hub, a group of history-focused organizations located in the Village. The group is planning its Welcome Weekend for May 16-18, inviting everyone to come explore events at venues all over Ameliasburgh. You can find the group on Facebook under “Ameliasburgh Heritage Hub” or drop into the Ameliasburgh Branch Library for all the details.

The Ameliasburgh Branch Library building appeals to history enthusiasts as it’s housed in a schoolhouse with blackboard still in place. It’s understood to be the oldest public building in Ameliasburgh and attracts visitors from near and far to check out the architecture. For Welcome Weekend, the library will have a book sale on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m .to 11:30 a.m. Find great deals on gently-used books and support the Library at the same time. As well, Friend of the Library Bev Marr is planning a display of the history of the Canadian frontier at the Ameliasburgh Branch starting May 13 for two weeks.

That same weekend, May 16-18, the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village invites you to join The Gathering of Friends and see history brought to life, Loyalist Landing style, with re-enactors on site. While you’re there, check out the Victoria Schoolhouse and go back in time to 1904 to experience life in one of the County’s historic one room schoolhouses. The Marilyn Adams Genealogical Research Centre encourages you to drop by to meet an ancestor on Saturday, May 17. While you’re there, explore their newly-redesigned facility.

If you’re interested in history on a national scale, the Picton Branch Library will host author Patrice Dutil, author of Sir John A. MacDonald and the Apocalyptic Year 1885 on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. His presentation will focus on the most important challenges Sir John A. Macdonald faced and discuss how he managed them. Patrice Dutil is an author, essayist and occasional commentator as well as being a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. His main research interests are political and public sector leadership, the process of political development and the study of elections. Tickets for this talk are $15 and available at peclibrary.org or at any branch of the library. Thanks to a generous donation from Councillor Bill Roberts, a book club set of this title is available to borrow.