Peggi Armstrong was born May 21st, 1957 in Arnprior, Ontario. She was trained as a graphic designer and professional photographer taking post-secondary studies at the Sheridan School of Design in Mississauga. In 1979, these skills lead to a career in graphic arts starting with a contract at the Ontario Ministry office responsible for archaeology. This was also Peggi's introduction to archaeology.

Peggi joined the Canadian International Development Agency in 1986, working in the Communications Branch as Art Director, co-ordinating design and artwork for its publications programme. In 1996 she moved to the Canadian Museum of Civilization as Head of the Design Section.

Peggi's design and photographic capabilities played central roles in volunteer projects from 1980 to 1997. In addition to extensive volunteer work with the Ottawa Chapter of the OAS, she also volunteered her expertise for archaeology projects across Ontario for Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, the then Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, (now Ministry of Culture), the Archaeological Survey of Canada, Save Ontario Shipwrecks, the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and individual researchers. She also participated as site photographer for the University of Ottawa, Classical Studies research project in France.

Peggi's commitment to the preservation of our archaeological heritage has been an inspiration and will continue its legacy with the presentation of the Peggi Armstrong Public Archaeology Award to worthy recipients.