AMHERST, NOVA SCOTIA, JULY 19, 2007--On behalf of the Honorable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Rob Moore, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, today launched the new Beaubassin/Fort Lawrence Public Archaeology Experience at Beaubassin National Historic Site of Canada.
This project will help Parks Canada increase existing knowledge of the archaeological resources of the sites and provide exceptional experiences and meaningful learning opportunities to visitors who actively participate in the archaeological excavation.
“National Historic Sites, such as Beaubassin and Fort Lawrence, commemorate a major turning point in Canada’s past,” said Minister Baird. “The Public Archaeology Experience is a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to get a better understanding of the archaeological resources present in these national historic sites and will provide visitors with a unique hands-on experience.”
“People from this area, and all over the Maritimes will converge to these sites to have the opportunity to touch the past,” said Mr. Moore. “The Public Archaeology Experience is an important contribution to the tourism offer in the Chignecto area, while being advantageously located close to the Nova Scotia Visitor Information Centre and to Fort Beauséjour Fort Cumberland National Historic Site of Canada.”
The project, expected to run over a period of three years, is funded by Parks Canada.
Under the supervision of Parks Canada archaeologist, Mr. Charles Burke, enthusiasts will undertake a unique excavation experience in an authentic historic site. Visitors wishing to participate must sign up as soon as possible since openings are limited to twelve participants per excavation day. This activity is designed for adults and the registration fee is $37.10 for the full-day program.
The Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada recognized the national significance of Fort Lawrence (1750-1756) in 1923, while Beaubassin (1672-1750) was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005. The architectural ruins and features found at the sites attest to the Acadian way of life and to the geopolitical struggle between France and England for the control of Canada.
Information:
Claude DeGrâce
Manager, National Historic Sites
Northern New Brunswick Field Unit
Parks Canada
506-851-3084
Géraldine Arsenault
Coordinator, National Historic Sites
Northern New Brunswick Field Unit
Parks Canada
506-876-1249
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
BEAUBASSIN AND FORT LAWRENCE PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY EXPERIENCE
