4-H began on Prince Edward Island in 1918 and was know as the Boys’ and Girls’ Club.  Separate clubs were in existence for every project and among the first clubs to be formed were for swine and poultry. In 1933 the program expanded outside of livestock by starting the first sewing clubs.

By 1952, the name “Boys’ and Girls’ Club” was officially changed to “4-H Club” and the program adopted today’s common 4-H cloverleaf logo. Clubs were formed for many new projects including garden, forestry, grain and potato. The first Rural Youth Fair was held in 1952 at the provincial exhibition grounds in Charlottetown. By the late 1950's 4-H was going strong with 130 active clubs and 2200 members.

The 1960's and 70's marked a major change for 4-H, as various types of clubs were combined into a single clubs in each area.  While this caused a decrease in the total number of clubs, it offered members a chance to try new and different projects.  In 1968 4-H celebrated its 50th anniversary on Prince Edward Island with a provincial rally. The Prince Edward Island 4-H Council was form in 1972, with Dot Henry of Summerside becoming the first president.  The Council helped formalize the involvement of volunteer leaders in the work of 4-H throughout the province and in 1988, the Prince Edward Island 4-H Trust was established to develop funding for the support of new initiatives. The Trust was designed to help 4-H initiatives be developed through use of the interest gained on investments, without touching the principle money.

4-H is a program that is continually diversifying and implementing interesting programs to keep pace with the changing times. 2008 marks 4-H’s 90th anniversary on Prince Edward Island, and will see Island members continue to develop into some of the PEI’s foremost citizens.