Samuel Holland's descendants gather for big P.E.I. anniversary

The descendants of the man who mapped Prince Edward Island will gather on the Island this weekend to celebrate his contribution to the province.

Samuel Holland finished his map 250 years ago this year.

His clan has come from Canada and the U.S.

"I am from the Boston area, I grew up there," said Elizabeth Holland Vatcher. "However my parents are from Prince Edward Island. My father specifically grew up here, not in this house but in the original house that his ancestors lived in. He was born here and raised here."

She's returned to learn more about her famous ancestor from five generations ago.

"I never knew that he was as famous as he was or had done everything that he had done for the country," she said.

Markers honour the cartographer, and streets are named for him.

"It sends shivers up your spine. And it's honouring all the descendants of Samuel Holland and all of his friends," said George Dalton.

Dalton acted as host for the travelling family members, welcoming them to P.E.I. He's proud to see the family legacy live on.

"I get pretty emotional when I get over to the old homestead and see that land still growing potatoes or whatever still being farmed," he said.

The rest of the weekend will feature tours and re-enactments, and then the unveiling of Samuel Holland Lane.

He already has a fairly high-profile landmark named for him: Holland College takes its name from the same man.