Lecture - Fossil DNA at Fort Ville-Marie : Bacteria Tells the Story

Fossil DNA at Fort Ville-Marie: Bacteria Tells the Story!

Pointe-à-Callière archaeologists and microbiology experts from UQAM have taken up a unique challenge: to use fossil DNA to better understand life at Fort Ville-Marie, the birthplace of Montréal. Thanks to this innovative method, they have uncovered fascinating traces of the past: butchering activities, tobacco cultivation, and even surprising clues to the use of medicinal plants. These discoveries give us a glimpse into the daily lives of Montréal's first settlers from Europe.

An exciting scientific adventure that reveals our history in a whole new light!

The Speakers

Hendrik Van Gijseghem, archaeology and history project manager at Pointe-à-Callière

Practicing archaeology since 1995, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Université de Montréal and a doctorate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has led several research projects in various regions of Québec and Peru. For over a decade, he taught archaeology at several Canadian and American universities. He has been an archaeology and history project manager at Pointe-à-Callière since 2017.

Cassandre Lazar, professor, Department of Biological Sciences, UQAM

Specializing in the study of microbial communities in subterranean habitats, she obtained her PhD in 2010 in France at the Institut de recherche sur l'étude de l'océan (IFREMER). She then completed 2 post-doctorates in the USA and Germany. Since 2017, she has been a professor at UQAM, leading the laboratoire d’écologie microbienne des habitats souterrains continentaux. There, she conducts studies on the diversity and dynamics of microbial communities living beneath our feet in Quebec. Since 2019, she has been working with Pointe-à-Callière's team of archaeologists, setting up a new way of studying archaeological soils.

2024-2025 Annual Campaign Lecture Cycle

As part of our annual campaign Fascinating Research, Captivating Stories, we invite you to discover the Museum's exciting projects at exclusive lectures. Meet our dedicated researchers and hear their fascinating stories of our rich heritage. When you buy a ticket, you are contributing directly to the advancement of research: 100% of the funds raised will be donated to Pointe-à-Callière's research projects .

By supporting research, you are doing more than simply donating. You are directly contributing to the enhancement of our shared heritage, helping to preserve and promote the history that unites us.

This event is organized by the Pointe-à-Callière Foundation.