Surround yourself with the mood, charm and activities of a small Prince Edward Island agricultural crossroads in the 1890 era.
Engage in the daily programming, specially chosen to keep children happy, while learning and having tons of fun with the animals. Drop by the general store and the PEI Agricultural Heritage Museum. Visit the working blacksmith shop, stroll through the gardens and have a picnic outside the old schoolhouse or by a scenic look-off to the beautiful Orwell Bay.
The small crossroads community was founded in the early nineteenth century. Settlers were brought out by Captain John MacDonald, as well as families that came from the Isle of Skye, County Monaghan in Ireland and United Empire Loyalists. Many of the current residents in the Orwell community are descendants of these early pioneers.
In 1970 the Provincial Centennial Commission, various departments of the Provincial and Federal governments and dedicated volunteers in the community set plans into action and the site was restored to the late nineteenth century. The buildings were furnished with artifacts from the Provincial Collection and it opened to the public in July of 1973. Currently it is owned by the Province of Prince Edward Island and administered by the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation and the Orwell Corner Pioneer Village Corporation with support from various departments of government as well as generated revenues.
The Village Corporation has an elected Board of Directors chaired by Elizabeth Boys-Leath. This board also serves as a group which works to generate funds that are re-invested into either the programming or infrastructure at Orwell Corner, recruits volunteers to help augment the paid staff and serve in many other capacities.
The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation is an integral part of the Prince Edward Island community. We operate seven provincial museums and heritage sites in Prince Edward Island, providing Islanders and visitors with an opportunity to discover Prince Edward Island heritage and culture.
Provincial Museum and Heritage Sites
- Elmira Railway Museum (open June to September)
- Basin Head Fisheries Museum (open June to September)
- Orwell Corner Historic Village and Agricultural Heritage Museum (open May to September)
- Beaconsfield Historic House (open year round)
- Eptek Art & Culture Centre (open year round)
- The Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island (open year round)
- Green Park Shipbuilding Museum & Yeo House (open June to September)
Beyond administering these sites, the Foundation is responsible for the provincial collection of more than 90,000 artifacts. Our staff provide professional conservation and collection services to outside groups, individuals and organizations.
