Public Archives Resources for Teachers and Students
The Public Archives has plenty of material that can be used in school projects and classroom teaching. Some of these resources are highlighted below.
Online exhibits
The online exhibits provide a great introduction to a variety of topics in Island history such as immigration, lighthouses, the railway, and fox farming.
Family history
Family history or genealogy research can be a meaningful way to get students engaged in historic research. The guides below can help you get started.
Search the collection
The online holdings, while not complete, are a great starting point for your research.
- PARO Collections Database - an item-level database you can use to search for vital statistics information and select census records, as well as the Archives' large collection of photographs, maps, architectural plans, court cases, and more.
- MemoryPEI - explore many of the Archives' finding aids through this database.
- ArchivesPEI - search finding aids from other PEI institutions with archival holdings.
Heritage Fair guides
Heritage Fairs are intended to develop and increase awareness and interest in Canadian history. The guides below can help identify sources for your project.
- Guide to Heritage Fair Sources
- Guide au ressources pour les projets de la fête du patrimoine (510 Kb)
Note to teachers
The Public Archives has a wealth of primary source material that can support or supplement your classroom teaching. Photographs, diaries, correspondence, court case records, and newspapers are just some of the many resources available to you. Contact us by email archives@gov.pe.ca or by phone at (902) 368-4290 to learn more or to arrange a class visit.