Provincial Heritage Fair

The 2026 PEI Provincial Heritage Fair took place on April 30, 2026 at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. The heritage fair showcased 176 heritage-themed projects on a variety of Canadian/PEI history topics as well as nine workshops for students. During the closing ceremony, top student projects were awarded finalist prizes. 

In total, 216 students from grades five to 10 represented 25 schools and one home school association. Also, 34 PEI organizations and governments donated prize money for over 50 different special student prizes. 

Provincial Heritage Fair program

What is the Provincial Heritage Fair program?

The PEI Heritage Fair program is a student-centered, inquiry-based learning opportunity that allows students in grades 5 to 12 to explore a Prince Edward Island or Canadian history topic of interest. Students select a topic, decide on a key inquiry question, complete research and summarize findings in a format of their choice. 

Students may present their research findings at a school-level fair with the chance to be promoted to represent their school at the Provincial Heritage Fair. 

For many young students, the program is an introduction to history and an opportunity to investigate personal or community histories by drawing on community resources. The PEI Heritage Fair Program has been a staple in Island schools since 1997.

How does the program tie into the PEI curriculum?

Through guided inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to think critically about history and its implications, acquire a sound understanding of the discipline, and become more engaged in studying history. Grades 5-12 Social Studies and Language Arts teachers will be able to find connections within their curricula – especially when the Historical Thinking Concepts or Speaking and Listening skills are highlighted.  The Heritage Fair also aligns with the new Exploratory Module, “Heritage Inquiry: Making History Come Alive.”

Students develop their Heritage Fair projects in the classroom, producing a written report, a visual display and an oral presentation. Project formats may include traditional backboards, digital presentations (such as PowerPoint), audio-visual components, student-created websites, performances or other creative visuals such as dioramas.

What happens at the Provincial Heritage Fair?

The fair is a full-day event that showcases and celebrates students’ achievements in historical inquiry. Attendees can view a display of student projects, while judges evaluate the entries and award theme-based prizes. The day wraps up with a closing ceremony. Participating students receive swag bags, enjoy a complimentary lunch and participate in heritage-themed workshops during the afternoon. The public is welcome to visit in the afternoon, providing students with the opportunity to share their findings.

Awards

Download list of 2026 award recipients, including special prizes sponsored by community organizations

What is Canada's National Showcase?

Four student projects from the PEI Provincial Heritage Fair are chosen to represent PEI at Canada’s History National Showcase. 

The following students were selected in 2026:

• Ben Docherty, Air Canada Flight 143: The Gimli Glider, Belfast Consolidated School
• Ruby Keller, Les Droits Des Femmes au Canada, Colonel Gray Senior High School
• Autumn Long, Digging Into History: An Archaeological Exploration, Mount Stewart Consolidated School
• Darwin Ziolaberry, Eleanor Harvey et L’Escrime, École François-Buote

The national showcase celebrates outstanding student work in the Heritage Fair program, aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for Canadian history and heritage among young learners. Participants will have a chance to win a $500 RESP, as well as travel and accommodations for two to attend a gathering with other Canada's National Showcase winners. 

From June 10 to July 1, 2026, the public is invited to vote for a favourite project. The three projects that receive the most votes will receive a special People’s Choice prize of a $100 gift card.

Learn more about Canada’s History National Showcase and vote for your favourite

Photo Gallery

View the 2026 Provincial Heritage Fair album

Contact

Sarah Bulman
Provincial Heritage Fair Coordinator
3rd floor Shaw Building, 95-105 Rochford Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Telephone: 902-368-5940
Email: sarahbulman@gov.pe.ca or heritagefair@gov.pe.ca