Year 200 in 2025 - BIS Lecture Series featuring local Irish Historian Dr. Ed MacDonald

As part of the 200-Year Anniversary celbration of the Benevolent Irish Society in 2025, the Society is proud to feature at the Irish Hall a very select group of local and international speakers on Irish subjects. There are 8 lectures in total in the period of August 1 - August 16 and the range of topics is expected to be thoroughly thought provoking. The lectures are free but we are asking for sign-up so that we can predict refreshment numbers. A SONG FOR EDWARD WHELAN: THE LIFE, DEATH, AND AFTERLIFE OF A TRAGIC HERO Romance and high realism attend the legacy of Edward Whelan: child prodigy journalist, political chieftain, and tragic hero in mid-19th century PEI. Co-architect of responsible government, passionate Irish-Islander, champion of land reform and free education, arch advocate of Confederation, he passed quickly into legend soon after his tragic death in 1867. For the next sixty years, his supporters campaigned fruitlessly for a suitable monument to this giant of PEI's "golden age." As with Whelan's life, his afterlife tells us much about the complicated nature of the Prince Edward Island he called home.