Belfast Historical Society to host Fundraising Dinner, November 12, 6:30 p.m.

Donald MacDonald, Kim Doherty-Smith and Chef Steven Taran

The Friends of Clyde River Historical Committee reached out to the Belfast Historical Society last year to learn more about their activities and to begin discussions on how we could collaborate. Our Lot 31 is also part of the Selkirk Settlement history, and we have strong ancestral connections to the Belfast area. Vivian made a presentation on Clyde River’s work at their last annual meeting and had a chance to hear about their upcoming plans. They are a very active group that has achieved great success in preserving and highlighting Scottish culture. One of their events is an annual dinner which will take place Nov. 12th. This would be a great chance for us to meet these fine folks. Their announcement follows:

Church of Scotland

The Belfast Historical Society is pleased to announce that Harmony Meadow Farm is once again partnering with them for their third annual lamb dinner event, and this year, they are traveling to St Andrew’s Church in Vernon to host their dinner, cake auction and presentation of the Selkirk Award. This event is part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Historical Society and is also a fundraiser for the moving and refurbishment of the Church of Scotland. The Dinner is Nov. 12th at 6:30 pm at the St. Andrew’s United Church in Vernon Bridge and includes a 3-course meal. Tickets are $30 and are available from Gordon Furness, 902-651-2866, Kim Doherty-Smith, 902-213-1364, or Donald MacDonald, 902-659-2704.

More about the Belfast Historical Society:

Croft House

On the Selkirk Settlement, they also manage a replica of a croft house with exhibits that highlight the story of 800 Scottish settlers who arrived with Thomas Douglas, fifth Earl of Selkirk, aboard the ships Polly, Dykes and Oughton. They have genealogical records of the Settlers’ descendants. The gift shop promotes Scottish culture and books of local history.

Also on site is a historic Church of Scotland (1876) and the ancient Acadian/Scottish Cemetery of St. Paul. The church was originally saved from demolition and moved from Belle River. Now they wish to move it closer to the Croft House and refurbish it.

Together with earlier immigrants from the Highlands and Hebrides, the Selkirk settlers established an enduring Scottish tradition on PEI. The Selkirk Settlement has been designated a National Heritage Site.