School Break with an archaeological theme

For immediate release

NEW
Investigating Agatha Christie
A visit of the Investigating Agatha Christie exhibition—which focuses on the world-renowned crime novelist—is a must for young people. The exhibition takes a chronological approach, from Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller’s birth in Torquay, Devon, England on September 15, 1890, to her death in January 1976. Few people are aware that the life and work of this woman who gave the world such famous detectives as Hercule Poirot were intimately associated with archaeology.

Married to archaeologist Sir Max Edgar Lucien Mallowan, Agatha Christie was witness to several major archaeological finds between 1930 and 1960 at ancient Mesopotamian sites in a historical region that corresponds to present-day Syria and Iraq, the birthplace of writing, agriculture and other innovations. And she was no passive spectator on these sites: in addition to underwriting some of her husband’s digs, she cleaned, classified, and documented the work in photos and films visitors can see in the exhibition. Some of the artifacts Agatha handled, from dig sites managed by Max Mallowan or archaeological sites she herself visited in Egypt and the Middle East, are on display in the exhibition. A number of her literary works were inspired by these journeys. There are presentations featured in the exhibition room for visitors young and old. Families can also tour the exhibition with children under 10 years old with the help of a fun questionnaire that has them playing the role of an archaeologist-detective.

NEW
Fragments of Humanity: archaeological discoveries here at home
Families will also have the opportunity to explore a whole segment of our history through some 350 significant pieces celebrating 50 years of archaeological discovery in Québec. The exhibition Fragments of Humanity. Archaeology in Québec, opening in mid-February 2016, will feature objects found on Québec soil that tell the story of our past. Highlighting the richness and diversity of Québec’s archaeological collections, this is the first major exhibition dedicated entirely to archaeology here at home.

For families: a unique archaeological dig
Who hasn’t dreamt of embarking on a voyage of discovery, exploring the past just like archaeologists do? The Archaeo-Adventure workshop is the only simulated dig site in Montréal! In this workshop led by an interpreter-guide, children get to explore the archaeology profession: they are introduced to field and lab work in a space that has been specially equipped for them. Will the children get the artefacts they dig up to reveal their secrets? A fun and entertaining activity!

Become a Pirate or Privateer
In Pirates or Privateers?, children of ages 4 to 12 get to measure up to the rough and ready sailors who scoured the St. Lawrence River in the days of New France. Presented in an immersive environment, this discovery-exhibition takes place in a setting evoking a privateer ship—The Iberville—on which young people learn about the hard life at sea, and find out if they’ve got what it takes to be a ship’s mate. They’ll face a number of challenges—proving they’ve got their sea legs, turning the capstan to raise anchor, correctly loading a cannon, and even pretending to defend our territory by attacking an enemy ship! During their visit of Pirates or Privateers?, families can follow a self-guided tour, created specifically for school break. Pointe-à-Callière also encourages children to come to the exhibition dressed up as pirates and privateers. Hours of fun!

Even more to see and hear!
Visitors should not miss their opportunity to see Yours Truly, Montréal, a multimedia show presented every half-hour, which tells the history of Montréal in 18 spellbinding minutes. It’s an excellent introduction to your Museum visit!

Take a break in the Saputo Lunch Room
Don’t forget… while at the Museum, families can take advantage of a family-friendly space: the Saputo Lunch Room. Decorated to look like an 18th century inn, in the Ancienne-Douane – J. Armand Bombardier Building, this specially designed room is an ideal place for children and their parents to take a break or have lunch.

Port Symphonies
Lastly, on Sunday, March 6, 2016, Pointe-à-Callière’s Port Symphonies have called on young composer Scott Thomson to investigate Agatha Christie in his very own way, with an astonishing concert of ships’ horns and other urban instruments that can be enjoyed from Place Royale, in Old Montréal.

All of these activities are included in the price of admission to the Museum.

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

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