CLYDE RIVER, P.E.I. — The Clyde River History Committee will host a cemeteries history circle on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Riverview Community Centre.
The centre is located at 718 Clyde River Rd. in Clyde River. For more details on this event, visit www.clyderiverpei.com.
Vivian Beer, chairwoman of the committee, said they are focusing on cemeteries with historical connections to Clyde River, which takes in communities extending as far as Desable, Bonshaw, Argyle Shore, Nine Mile Creek, Milton and North River.
“There are a few pioneers with Clyde River connections buried in the Old Protestant Burying Ground and Belfast area,’’ Beer said. “We are also interested in knowing where relatives are buried outside P.E.I. which tells the broader story of family migration.’’
The committee has identified at least 32 cemeteries in the local area that range from larger ones still in use to pioneer cemeteries and family plots. They invite all those that have research to share or those with general interest who would like to learn a bit more.
A summer timeframe was chosen so visitors who are in P.E.I. retracing their ancestral history within the vicinity of Clyde River can also attend.
The committee hopes to broaden their network of history enthusiasts and genealogists to capture interesting stories about early settlers and founding families. Participants will have the chance to compare notes and fill in some research gaps.
“It’s fairly easy to determine where folks are buried after 1850 but it can be challenging to determine where our earlier pioneers were buried,’’ she said. “This journey to finding out offers a glimpse into their early lives and movements as Island communities were being established. That’s the captivating part of history. It’s like a big jigsaw puzzle and the missing pieces drive us to learn more.’’
