Call for Nominations for the Rev. Dr. Francis W.P. Bolger Award

February 20, 2026

Dr. Betsy Epperly and Rev. Dr. Francis Bolger in 2014

Dr. Elizabeth Epperly, founder of the LMMI, and Rev. Dr. Francis Bolger at the 2014 Biennial Conference

The L.M. Montgomery Institute invites nominations for the Rev. Dr. Francis W. P. Bolger Award for outstanding contributions to our appreciation of Montgomery and place in Prince Edward Island,
through scholarship, education, preservation, creative works, or by other means.

Rev. Dr. Francis W.P. Bolger was a Professor Emeritus of History at UPEI and a member of the Order of Canada. Mid-career, Bolger was shown a series of recently uncovered letters written by a teenage L.M. Montgomery to her cousin, Penzie Macneill. Never having been encouraged to read Montgomery’s works, Father Bolger was astounded by the quality of Montgomery’s mind and writing. He soon became one of her most vocal champions, and his book, The Years Before Anne (1974), played a significant role in legitimizing the serious study of Montgomery. He co-signed the grant application that led to the founding of the L.M. Montgomery Institute and chaired the first LMMI symposium in 1994.

Both individuals and organizations are eligible for the award. Letters of nomination, briefly highlighting the merits of the nominee and their contributions to honouring Montgomery on Prince Edward Island, are due by Friday, 15 May, 2024, and may be forwarded to Dr. Laura Robinson, Chair, LMMI Committee, lmmi@upei.ca.

three of Father Bolgers book covers including 'The Years BEfore Anne,' 'Spirit of Place,' 'Memories of the Old Home Place'