Linda Hennessey, a descendant of Black Islanders who founded the historic Bog community in Charlottetown, has dedicated over thirty years of her life to collecting and archiving stories and genealogies of Black families on Prince Edward Island. During a time when there was little interest in this narrative, Linda curated a one-of-a-kind collection on the history of PEI's Black Islanders.
In addition to her extensive archival work, Linda Hennessey supports initiatives that contribute to the broader understanding of Black Islanders' history. Over the past two and a half years, Linda has played a pivotal role in the creation of an eighth-grade curriculum resource as part of the Black Women's History Project. Her collaboration with organizations like the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation has helped share Black Island history, through contributions to the hidden island podcast, educational programming such as a walking tour of the Bog – a historical Charlottetown neighbourhood where many Black Islanders lived – and a complementary Show and Tell resource used in PEI classrooms.
Linda's dedication is even more significant at a time when there is growing awareness of the importance of sharing and preserving heritage that has historically been overlooked.
Through her tireless efforts, Linda Hennessey not only ensures that the lives of Black Islanders are remembered and honoured, but also actively contributes to raising awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation for this vital aspect of PEI's cultural heritage. For her dedication, Linda Hennessey is being awarded the Boyde Beck Memorial Award.