Located in beautiful Malpeque, Prince Edward Island, Fanning School was THE grammar school for the region, originally built in 1847, with modifications in 1876 that included the addition of a unique second storey.

Charitable Foundation

Save Fanning School Inc. is a charitable organization interested in the preservation of the historic Fanning Grammar School and building relationships with communities interested in preserving the history and engaging the public with the building and its history. The school building is owned by the Save Fanning School Inc. and is located in beautiful Cabot Beach Provincial Park, in Malpeque under an ongoing License Agreement with the Government of Prince Edward Island. 

So Much History

The written history of the building and its significance to the local area, and to education in Prince Edward Island, has been developed and is evolving through research and the collection of photographs and stories.

Following on the community-driven preservation effort to relocate the school to Cabot Beach Park, in 1993, significant steps were taken through key members of this charitable organization to oversee activities to encourage Fanning School alumni and visitors to contribute to, engage with the history, and support the costs of developing community animation and building maintenance costs. 

Activities to date have ranged from featuring the history of the school and education on PEI through the building and its exhibits, to the school serving as a set for the filming of the television series “Emily of New Moon” which was based on works of author, L.M. Montgomery. Tens of thousands of visitors visited the building.

Renewed Efforts

While community efforts waned in more recent years, in 2019 there was a significant revitalization of interest in the work of the group which has led to the development of a strategic plan by the Save Fanning School Board.  The strategic plan includes restoring the building to a working structure where the community and visitors can engage with history and participate in a broader range of activities which would attract more visitors to this rural community.  This could include enhanced historical exhibits, display and sale of works by local artists and entrepreneurs, small scale music and cultural events, engaging with park visitors, and the enhanced exchange of historical and ancestry information through workshops or storytelling.

Your support can help to make it happen.