Site officially opens on June 25 for its 95th birthday as a national historic site
June 15, 2015 – Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, New Brunswick – Parks Canada
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, welcomed Canadians to visit Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, which opens for the season on Thursday, June 25 for its 95th year as a national historic site. Standing at a crossroads of natural and cultural history near the Nova Scotia border in Aulac, New Brunswick, the site commemorates the role of the Fort in the struggle between France and Britain, and subsequently between Britain and the American colonies, for the control of North America.
New exhibits for 2015 include an exhibit of artifacts unearthed from many archaeological digs in the area. Once buried, objects such as tiny glass trade beads, a musical mouth harp, musket balls and many other pieces of history will be brought back to life to tell a story of vibrant communities and battles fought long ago.
The site’s landscape and the area’s colourful historic past will provide plenty of inspiration for family activities. Visitors will enjoy dressing up in period costume or exploring the wide open spaces, underground tunnels and massive historic cannons through the signature Scavenger Hunt, available daily.
Parks Canada also offers the Xplorers Program designed for children aged 6 to 11 and their families. During their visit, children receive an Xplorers booklet full of fun activities that enable them and their families to discover this fabulous historic site. Several outdoor interpretive panels and paintings guide visitors through this trip back in time, which visitors can combine with the mini handheld device and GPS-based Explora Fort Tour or download the app on their smartphone to discover secrets and stories that live on today.
The national historic site will also host its own set of red chairs this year as part of Parks Canada’s new national Red Chairs Experience Program. The branded red Adirondack chairs will be placed at a special and picturesque location that will inspire the truest sense of “awe” and provide visitors with the opportunity to connect with this national treasure. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy this special place and to share their experience through social media.
Special activities are planned throughout the season including Canada Day (July 1), Parks Day (July 18) and New Brunswick Day (August 3). More details of these special activities and others will be communicated through the national historic site’s website at www.pc.gc.ca/beausejour.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Julie Bastarache
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
Northern New Brunswick Field Unit, Parks Canada
Telephone: 506-876-1288
Mobile: 506-521-4739
Julie.bastarache@pc.gc.ca
