the hidden island

Join our guest, Dr. Josh MacFadyen, as well as podcast host Matthew McRae as they go subterranean into the world of Prince Edward Island's terrain! Director of the GeoREACH Lab at UPEI, MacFadyen shares a wealth of knowledge and know-how into the methods and beauty of laying out and mapping out the island's landscapes. Whether it's historical chartmakers you're interested in, modern methods of map-capturing or even some emerging and bleeding-edge methods and technologies in the world of mapping, you're bound to learn all about how our beloved Island takes shape - on paper - in our season finale episode of the Hidden Island Podcast! Josh is Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Geospatial Humanities at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada. His research focuses on energy transitions and traditional energy carriers in Canada, and he teaches Digital Humanities in the Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture (ACLC) program in UPEI’s Faculty of Arts. His most recent monograph is titled Flax Americana: A History of the Fibre and Oil that Covered a Continent. He also published an edited collection in the same series titled Time and a Place: An Environmental History of Prince Edward Island (McGill-Queens and Island Studies Press, 2016). Josh has held postdoctoral positions at the Historical GIS Lab at the University of Saskatchewan and at NiCHE: Network in Canadian History & Environment at the University of Western Ontario. Most recently he was also an Assistant Professor and remains a Sustainability Scholar at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability.

PEI's rich history in architectural expression has captured the hearts of many - including but not limited to this week's guest! Joining hosts Matthew McRae and Lesley Caseley, housing enthusiast and creator of the Old Island Homes social media pages, Heather Harris, takes them on an enthusiast's tour through the captivating sights and constructs of PEI's most famous and interesting buildings, as well as outlining her own experiences with building restorations and her doting admiration for renowned historical architect, William C. Harris - no relation, of course! Heather Harris is an old house and heritage enthusiast who runs the Instagram and Facebook account “Old Island Homes”. Heather uses her account to share all things about historic houses and buildings on PEI, and she hopes to make information about these historic buildings accessible, interesting, and entertaining for her audience.

*Editor's Note: Apologies for the hissing noise, all! Other episodes in the season won't be like this, but this was indeed a hardware and environmental-related issue that struck our equipment at the time of recording and was not caught. There's still some fantastic conversations to be had here, so thank you very much in advance for the continued support and for bearing with us this one time. :)* Why do we keep archives? Who uses them? What kind of material can you find there? Hosts Matthew McRae and Samantha Kelly are joined by archivist John Boylan to answer these questions and more. Listen in and discover how the province’s Public Archives and Records Office (PARO) opens a window onto our past, and why any visit to the archives can quickly turn into an exciting history mystery. John Boylan has been working in Island heritage since the 1980s. After stints with the PEI Museum, Provincial Heritage Office, and the City of Charlottetown he was hired as the Public Services Archivist at the Public Archives and Records Office of Prince Edward Island in 2006. John has a diploma in museum studies from Algonquin College and a master’s degree in archival studies from the University of British Columbia.

What if we told you PEI was once home to prehistoric creatures older than dinosaurs? Join hosts Matthew McRae, Samantha Kelly, and special guest Laura MacNeil, owner of Prehistoric Island Tours, as they uncover the not-so-secret facts of Prince Edward Island’s prehistoric past and answer burning questions like: Why is the Island becoming a fossil hotspot? Are we related to dimetrodons, and did they use their sails to flirt with each other? And what the heck are Laura’s favourite fossils? This episode is brought to you by The Architects Association of PEI, Confederation Center of the Arts, Provincial Credit Union, and The Grey Group. Laura MacNeil is a geologist born and raised in Alexandra, P.E.I. and founder of Prehistoric Island Tours, our province's first venue that provides guided shoreline tours on our rich 290-million-year-old geological heritage. Her professional experience is in Earth science communication, having worked as an educator at World-renowned museums such as Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site in Joggins, N.S., and the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, AB. Laura completed her M.Sc. in geology at Acadia University, Nova Scotia, and B.Sc. in geology at Queen's University, Ontario. In 2016 Laura discovered the first fossil evidence of Dimetrodon borealis trackways on P.E.I., a sail-backed apex predator that roamed our province's prehistoric landscapes 290 million years ago.

Discover the delicious history of raising, harvesting – and shucking – oysters on Prince Edward Island! Host Samantha Kelly is joined by Jason Woodside, oyster-shucking champion and inventor of the banjo knife. Together, they delve into the story of how our relationship with oysters started, how it became a globe-spanning industry and the ins and outs of our relationship with oysters in the present day. ----more---- Jason Woodside Is A Two-Time Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion (2004, 2006) With Over 26 Years Of Experience As A Professional Oyster Shucker. Infamous For His Knowledge and Skill, Jason Possesses A Deep Understanding Of Canada’s Oyster Industry, Particularly Prince Edward Island’s wild And cultured Oyster Fisheries. Passionate about education and advocacy, Jason shares his expertise through private tours, seminars, and appearances at select events, where he elevates public awareness of the joys and complexities of oyster appreciation. Jason is the creator of the Banjo Oyster Knife, which helps make shucking safer and easier for beginners. Additionally, Jason crafts traditional-style oyster knives, from PEI wood, which are tailored to professional shuckers seeking a competitive edge.

We are kick-starting the season with an exciting two-part episode: Podcast host Matthew McRae tells the stranger-than-fiction tale of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island's first Governor. Laugh and learn co-host Evelyn Bradley as well as guest comedian Shawn Hogan. Did you know that privateers kidnapped our government? Or that Patterson gave an island off the coast of the island to his girlfriend? Or that he invented the “fresh cookies” scent for homes? Okay, maybe that last one isn’t true, but still. Patterson's legacies of leadership, shady real-estate practices and questionable decision-making culminate into a story that is as humourous as it is outrageous – enjoy parts 1 and 2 of the ballad of Wally P!

We are kick-starting the season with an exciting two-part episode: Podcast host Matthew McRae tells the stranger-than-fiction tale of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island's first Governor. Laugh and learn co-host Evelyn Bradley as well as guest comedian Shawn Hogan. Did you know that privateers kidnapped our government? Or that Patterson gave an island off the coast of the island to his girlfriend? Or that he invented the “fresh cookies” scent for homes? Okay, maybe that last one isn’t true, but still. Patterson's legacies of leadership, shady real-estate practices and questionable decision-making culminate into a story that is as humourous as it is outrageous – enjoy parts 1 and 2 of the ballad of Wally P!

The Hidden Island - in partnership with our friends at The Walrus Labs - presents a hosting collaboration for their podcast episode of Canadian Time Machine, recognizing and celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of known PEI author Lucy Maud Montgomery. From The Walrus Labs: "November 30, 2024 marks 150 years since Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth, and her legacy continues to endure. Best known for Anne of Green Gables, Montgomery created characters that embody resilience and imagination. In this episode of Canadian Time Machine, her granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler, shares family stories, preserves her grandmother’s legacy, and reads from Emily of New Moon, which she views as Montgomery’s most personal work. "The episode also explores her influence, her personal struggles, and Dr. Jessica Katz Edison’s insight into how Montgomery’s work resonates with neurodivergent audiences, long before such language existed. "More episodes of Canadian Time Machine are available at: https://lnkfi.re/canadian-time-machine. To read episode transcripts in both French and English and explore more historic Canadian milestones, visit https://www.thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. A French counterpart of the show, Voyages dans l'histoire canadienne, is also available—if you're bilingual and looking for more, head to https://lnkfi.re/Voyages-dans-lhistoire-canadienne."

Did you know that Chinese Islanders have been living on Prince Edward Island since as early as 1850? Trista Jiali Liang and Camellia Nguyen take us back in time to discuss the history of Chinese immigration to Canada and PEI, and how Asian immigration has contributed to a resilient and culturally diverse Island community. The book "Chinese Islanders: Making a Home in the New World" by Dr. Hung-Min Chiang was referenced throughout this episode. Features guest interviews: Jerry Wang (UPEI), Kevin MacLean (Orwell Corner Historic House)

Happy National Tourism Week! Host Camellia Nguyen, Communications Coordinator of the Museum & Heritage Foundation will take you on a journey to explore how tourism became PEI's leading industry. In addition to the history of tourism, this episode also covers discussions about the Island's food culture, the impact of climate change on tourism, emerging tourism sectors, and the love-hate relationship between Islanders and tourists. Features guest interviews: Dr. Edward MacDonald, Crystal MacGregor (Food Island PEI), Corryn Clements (TIAPEI), Dr. Matthew McRae, Monisha Rodricks

Hurricane Fiona in 2022 prompted us to reflect on the state of climate change on the Island. Join Daniel McRae, Lead Researcher at MacPhail Woods, and Matthew McRae, Executive Director of the Museum & Heritage Foundation as they discuss the many natural (or human) disasters that happened on PEI. Spoiler: brace yourself for a stormy future. Features guest interviews: Dr. Douglas Sobey, Peter Nishimura (Government of PEI - EECA), Donald Jardine (UPEI Climate Lab), Kate MacQuarrie (Government of PEI - EECA), Stuart Hickox (Tree Stories PEI)

In this episode, we travel back with the Canadian Time Machine podcast to look at the moment Prince Edward Island entered Confederation. Historian Dr. Edward MacDonald takes us back to the Charlottetown Conference, where it’s said that discussions about the Dominion of Canada flowed over several glasses of champagne. He’ll also help us understand why PEI joined the country six years after it was formed. This episode also features reflections on reconciliation from Julie Pellissier-Lush, an actress, knowledge keeper, storyteller, and the first Mi’kmaq Poet Laureate for PEI. More episodes are available at: https://lnkfi.re/canadian-time-machine To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian milestones, please visit thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. There is also a French counterpart of this show called Voyages Dans L’Histoire Canadienne so if you’re bilingual and want to listen to more, visit https://lnkfi.re/Voyages-dans-lhistoire-canadienne.

In this first myth-busting episode of season four, diversity specialist Evelyn Bradley and Dr. Matthew McRae - Executive Director of the PEI Museum & Heritage Foundation debunk common misconceptions about Black Islanders. Was there slavery in PEI? What happened to The Bog? Tune in to find out! Features guest interviews: Linda Hennessey and Debbie Langston. Featured music: Scott Parson's "Darkie’s Hollow"

Back for more? Good - we're back again for season four! Check out the teaser for things to come and join us on February 29th for the premiere episode.

Continuing on the previous conversation about Black Islanders' past and present, Evelyn Bradley is joined by Dante Bazard, Manager of Anti-Racism Initiatives with the Government of PEI. Learn about Dante's advocacy journey, as well as what the future holds for the Black community in PEI. Features guest interviews: Aaron Sardinha, Tamara Steele, and Jasonique Moss.

There’s something about the flickering light of a campfire that brings out the storyteller in everyone. Ghost stories, creation legends, family history – you name it, it’s been talked about. Today’s episode is inspired by those summer storytelling nights. We discuss different folklore found on Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island, including supernatural creatures and spooky forerunners. We’ll also hear about some old home remedies and traditional Acadian wedding customs. Features guest interviews: Julie Pellissier-Lush, Marian Bruce, Dutch Thompson and Georges Arsenault.

BIPOC USHR is hosting a takeover episode of ‘the hidden island!’ Listen to Sobia Ali-Faisal, Kendi Tarichia (King Kxndi), Amirah Oyesegun and Stephanie Arnold talk about their experiences living on the Island – beginning in the 1980s up until today. They discuss the many barriers and discriminating experiences BIPOC folks living on the often Island face, and what the road to joy has looked like through it all. BIPOC USHR's website: https://www.bipocushr.org Features: Sobia Ali-Faisal, Kendi Tarichia (King Kxndi), Amirah Oyesegun and Stephanie Arnold

Did you know that before European colonization, Epekwitk/PEI was 98% forested? For the final episode in season three, we go back to the last Ice Age, tracking the history of PEI’s forests before, during, and after colonization up until today. We travel through the eyes of the forest, stopping to learn about the early French settlers, the English shipbuilding regime, and what a PEI forest feels like today when you’re walking through it. Finally, we look at how important forests are to the Island, and what’s being done to protect them. Features guest interviews: Kate MacQuarrie, Alena MacLean, Caitlyn Paxson, Daniel McRae and CJ Cleal.

Anne of Green Gables isn’t exactly hidden history here on the Island, we know. It’s a timeless tale loved by many, and millions have visited ‘Anne’s Island’ over the years. But what about the real Green Gables? The story behind one of Canada’s most visited National Parks is a surprising one. It involves the unwilling expropriation of land from local residents, Maud Montgomery’s mixed feelings about the park, and a two-week eviction notice to the original owners of the Green Gables home. Features guest interviews: Dr. Alan MacEachern and Carolyn Strom Collins.