The Government of Canada Commemorates Fort Anne – Canada’s First National Historic Site Fort Anne National Historic Site Opens New Interactive Exhibit as part of Canada 150 celebrations

June 22, 2017                    Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia                    Parks Canada Agency 

Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience nature and history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of 150th anniversary of Confederation. 

Today, Dr. Richard Alway, Chairman of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC), on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated the national historic significance of Fort Anne. Following a ceremony to unveil the HSMBC plaque, a new immersive and interactive exhibit at Fort Anne was officially opened. 

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Located on the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq, Fort Anne marks a milestone in Canadian heritage commemoration as Canada’s first national historic site. It was designated as a “Dominion Park” on January 24th, 1917, thus becoming the foundation of the system of national historic sites in Canada. The current star-shaped, Vauban-style fortification dates to 1702 and was preserved through the efforts of local residents and dedicated Canadians over the generations 

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Fort Anne was at the heart of changing social, military, and political relations between the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, French, and British. It was a site where goods were traded, treaties were signed, battles were fought, and forts were built and rebuilt. As a centre for European colonization, Fort Anne was also the seat of government, first for Acadie under French rule and then for Nova Scotia under the British. 

This year, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation and also mark the centennial of national historic sites in Canada. For the 100th anniversary of Fort Anne National Historic Site, a new interactive exhibit was officially opened. Parks Canada worked with communities that played major roles in the history of Fort Anne, including the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, and African Nova Scotians, to create this new exhibit that reflects the stories of the peoples that shaped Fort Anne, the town of Annapolis Royal, and ultimately the country. The exhibit features innovative technology that allows visitors to tailor their experience and delve deeper into the stories that interest them the most. 

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada invites all Canadians to learn more about our rich and varied history and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Free admission to national parks and historic sites in 2017 enables Canadians to discover these treasured places and stories with Parks Canada.