• Document textuel

The series is comprised of three subseries: minutes and administrative records, correspondence, and project (or subject) files. In addition to Frank MacKinnon's correspondence files there are copies of correspondence of other directors Eric L. Harvie, Charles F. Scott, James Stewart, John B. Stirling and general manager Frank Storey. Most of the material in the project files pertains to the various events in the construction process including media coverage although there is some material concerning the activities of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

In preparation for the 1864 centennial of the Charlottetown Conference, a vision first promoted by Frank MacKinnon in 1950 to honour the men who met at Charlottetown to discuss confederation of the provinces with a suitable monument in the form of a national cultural centre began to take shape. A small board of 16 members from all the provinces was formed, chaired by Dr. MacKinnon and set about putting together preliminary plans, gaining acceptance of the plan, obtaining the financial commitment of the federal government and all ten provinces and then presiding over the architectural design competition, the administration, financing and construction process and the planning and participation in the celebrations upon completion in 1964. The complex contained a memorial hall, the provincial library, an art gallery and museum, a theatre, and a restaurant. At this point the Foundation dissolved and management of the Memorial was turned over to a permanent and national board of directors on which experienced and interested citizens could serve. A group of local citizens were appointed to form an executive committee. This body was called the Fathers of Confederation Memorial Buildings Trust. Some of its members had previously served on the Foundation’s Board. Operation of the various components of the Confederation of the Arts as it was commonly known have continued to date.