Pointe-à-Callière, a proud participant in Archaeology Month 2016

For immediate release

NEW
Explore archaeology here at home
Entirely dedicated to local archaeology, Fragments of Humanity. Archaeology in Québec brings together over 350 significant pieces celebrating 50 years of archaeological discovery in Québec. Chosen from among collections and finds from archaeological digs carried out on over 10,000 sites throughout the territory of Québec, the objects reflect our past and tell its story while revealing an astonishing range of diversity. The great majority of the pieces on display have never been seen by the general public and are being taken out of the Ministry of Culture and Communications’ (MCC) archaeological reserve for the very first time. The exhibition also features objects from about ten other lenders including the City of Montréal, Québec City, Pointe-du-Buisson/Musée québécois d’archéologie, the Musée des Ursulines in Trois-Rivières, Avataq Cultural Institute, and Parks Canada.

Where Montréal Was Born presentations
As the birthplace of Montréal, Pointe-à-Callière offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s history with seasoned guides leading the way through the Museum’s permanent exhibition, Where Montréal Was Born. Every day of the week, guides offer an explanation of the authentic remains and artefacts found along the underground route. This approximately 60-minute tour is included in the price of admission to the Museum and is offered in English at 2 pm and in French at 12:30 pm, from Monday to Sunday.

Archaeo Mission
A mission awaits families in a special space in the Mariners’ House – National Bank Building: an Archaeo-Adventure. In order to make the grade as apprentice archaeologists, young people and their families will be asked to take up various challenges put forth by their mission leader! They will carry out research, hone their observational skills, and put their manual dexterity to the test… just like the pros do! The workshop, designed for 9-12 year-olds and held with a guide in attendance, takes place in a simulated urban archaeological dig site and archaeology laboratory, specially equipped to provide an extraordinary experience. This 30-minute activity takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, from 10 am to 6 pm, as part of Pointe-à-Callière’s Public Market. Every other weekend during Archaeology Month, info sessions are presented at noon, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Two books on Québec archaeology to delve into
Complementing the exhibition presented at Pointe-à-Callière, the book Fragments d’humanité – Pièces de collections (available in French) is a new title in the “Archéologie du Québec” collection, which already includes Air – Territoire et peuplement. The book features some of the most important archaeological discoveries made over the last few decades in Québec, from the perspective of collections. The subjects addressed in the book are the same as those in the exhibition, enhanced with photographs, artefacts, and rich iconography. The other title, AIR – Territoire et peuplement, was published last year and is intended to provide the general public with the results of some 50 years of archaeological research in Québec, revealing the full richness of Québec’s heritage. During Archaeology Month, both of the books will be featured items at the Museum Shop.

About Pointe-à-Callière
The birthplace of Montréal, Pointe-à-Callière is the largest and most frequently visited history museum in the city. The 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. The largest archaeology museum in the country, Pointe-à-Callière opened in 1992, on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the founding of Montréal. The Museum’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. The Museum is currently working towards the completion of an expansion project, which consists of showcasing some ten heritage and historic sites grouped together under the name Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, a world-class cultural and tourist destination.

As a member of the Archéo-Québec Network, Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, is one of 50 sites, organizations, museums, and other archaeological presenters to invite all Quebecers—especially families—to take part in Archaeology Month. From August 1st to 31st, some 80 activities and meetings will take place in 11 regions throughout Québec.

Pointe-à-Callière is subsidized by the City of Montréal.

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Information:
Pascale Dudemaine
Communications Coordinator
514 872-2687
[email protected]