Welcome to the Edward Whelan Irish Cultural Centre, the home of the renowned Benevolent Irish Society Lecture Series! As one of the longest-running lecture series on Prince Edward Island, our mission is to illuminate the rich tapestry of Irish culture, history, and heritage.
The 2026 schedule features a diverse range of lectures, dates, and speakers. We hope you join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of Irish heritage:
March 2
March 9
March 16
Our engaging series aims to provide valuable insights into the Island's Irish community, Ireland itself, and the broader Celtic world. Delve into captivating topics presented by esteemed speakers, exploring the depths of Irish traditions and connections. We extend a warm invitation to all members of the public, fostering an environment where knowledge and camaraderie thrive. Admission is free, reflecting our commitment to sharing the cultural wealth. Donations to support our cause are always appreciated.
The first lecture is on March 2. It is “The history and origins of Irish Family Surnames,” presented by Tony Dolan, BIS Board member and popular Irish enthusiast. The talk will examine the origins of Irish surnames and their roots as Gaelic, Norse, Norman, Scottish, English, Huguenot, Palatine, and others. “I will outline how Gaelic Irish names changed when translated from the Irish language to English,” Dolan says, “I will also provide sources and websites that will help those in attendance to pursue their own family origins in Ireland.”
Dr. Callum Beck presents "The Belfast Riot of 1847." His presentation explores Prince Edward Island experience of the second-worst election riot in Canadian history. On March 1, 1847, about 200 Scottish Protestants and 300 Irish Catholics got into a brawl, resulting in at least three men dead and up to 100 others injured. This event set the stage for the hardening of the sectarian conflict between Protestants and Catholics on Prince Edward Island for the next 125 years. “The Belfast Riot of 1847” examines the social and political conditions that led to the riot, provides a detailed account of its unfolding, and demonstrates from that careful retelling how the opposing Scottish and Irish interpretations of the event are both valid.
Theresa Redmond, historian and author of Bound and The Governor’s Granddaughter is giving a lecture on Monday, March 16. The title of her lecture is “Governor Walter Patterson; Rogue or Reformer,” a reflection of the life of Walter Patterson, Prince Edward Island’s first governor.