The news is just out: Edward Pedersen is to receive a 2025 Marion Phelps Award for his outstanding long-term contributions to “the preservation and promotion of Anglophone heritage in Quebec.” The annual award by the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network recognizes the significance, quality, and personal dedication of his volunteer work over the past 10 years with the Bury Historical and Heritage Society.

President of the BHHS from 2015 to 2019, Pedersen’s contributions began much earlier, and continue to this day. Among them are the purchase and restoration of the Christ Church Canterbury, and its transformation into a cultural centre. Then there was the annual Church Heritage Tour featuring up to 12 churches in the Haut-Saint-François, volunteer appreciation suppers, fundraising community events such as the annual Strawberry Shortcake brunch at Canada Day in Bury.

Under his leadership, the BHHS organized a series of compelling conferences on local history, featuring forestry, transportation, military, and food and cooking. These were accompanied by booklets painstakingly researched and written by Petersen himself.

A retired music teacher, Pedersen is known for his gracious leadership and mentoring skills, creating a convivial experience for his fellow volunteers in the BHHS, and for the larger community.
Congratulations, Ed! And thank you for enriching our region!