For the first time in Québec, a collection dedicated to Québec archaeology

For immediate release

For the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, Ms. Hélène David, “The time had come to let the public know about the great value of archaeological discoveries made throughout Québec over the past five decades, and to recognize the importance of Québec archaeology in developing a better understanding of the richness of our territory and its settlement. For this collection, archaeologists have, in a way, opened up their books to the public.”

Among these five publications is a series of four books dealing with archaeological discoveries, organized according to the four elements: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire—an original and inviting approach for readers. Each book—presented as a coherent whole, featuring abundant illustrations—takes the reader on a unique adventure. The fifth book will complete the series by presenting many collections of artefacts from Québec, notably the collections of the Province of Québec. “In addition to showcasing the archaeological knowledge acquired to date, this collection is also a tribute to the archaeologists who pioneered this discipline in Québec. It also honours all those who have taken part in the many digs whose analyses and results have allowed for a better understanding of the history of Quebecers and of the Inuit and First Nations in particular,” stated Francine Lelièvre, Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière.

AIR: a bird’s-eye view of Québec
The first book in the collection, AIR — Territoire et peuplement, allows the reader to travel across the vastness of Québec’s territory from up in the air, to better understand its development and settlement over thousands of years. Many archaeological sites have been unearthed in the last 50 years, and this book features a number of them. In the captivating words of archaeologists and historians, the remains and artefacts that have been found are brought back to life, telling us of the thousands of human encounters that shaped the land and influenced the settlement of Québec: from traces of Amerindian homes at the remains of the Habitation de Champlain to those of the Parliament of the United Province of Canada, from portage trails to streetcar rails. AIR was written by archaeologists Jean-Yves Pintal and Gisèle Piédalue, and by historian Jean Provencher. Some twenty collaborators were also asked to contribute, enriching the book with their varied perspectives.

A beneficial partnership
To produce this new collection, a partnership was established between the Department of Culture and Communications and Pointe-à-Callière. The project was carried out with Collection Director Louise Pothier and Project Officer Sophie Limoges. Éditions de l’Homme enthusiastically agreed to take part in the production and distribution of the five books in the “Archaeology of Québec” collection. AIR — Territoire et peuplement is available now for $34.95 at the Museum Shop and in bookstores. It can also be ordered online from the Pointe-à-Callière website at pacmusee.qc.ca.

About Pointe-à-Callière
Pointe-à-Callière is the only major archaeology museum in all of Québec and Canada; its museum complex rises above a concentrated number of national historic and archaeological sites that illustrate major eras in the history of Montréal, Québec, and Canada. It opened in 1992, on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the founding of Montréal. Pointe-à-Callière’s mission is to raise awareness and foster an appreciation of Montréal’s history, and to forge bonds with regional, national, and international networks concerned with archaeology, history, and urban issues.

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Sources:
Philip Proulx
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Culture
and Communications
and Minister responsible for the Protection
and Promotion of the French Language
418 380-2310

Claude-Sylvie Lemery
Director, Communications and Marketing
514 872-9124
[email protected]