News Release Archive

NS MUSEUMS--MUSEUM CELEBRATES ACADIAN PAST AND PRESENT
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An archeology exhibit on display at the Museum of Natural
History, Halifax, until March 2, includes small fragments of the
real things used by Acadians more than 300 years ago.

Un regard sur l'Acadie features parts of a water jug used in the
early 1600s at Ile Sainte-Croix; parts of boat building tools and
buildings from the Hache Gallant settlement, near present day
Charlottetown, dating back to the 1700s; buttons and buckles used
on clothing worn by the Melanson family at the Melanson
settlement near Port Royal; domestic goods found at the
pre-expulsion site of Belleisle on the Annapolis River near
Middleton, and parts of treasured possessions found at the
Acadian refugee camp, Camp de l'Esperance, in northeastern New
Brunswick where fleeing Acadians thought they would be supported
by the French Government, but many, sadly starved to death. Also
included are rare artifacts such as a boundary marker stone at
the entrance to Fort D'Aulnay dated 1651 and a wine container,
called a costrel, made only in the 1600s.

In opening the exhibit in Halifax, Education and Culture Minister
Robbie Harrison said, "museums open doorways to the past. The
images and artifacts on display tell us a compelling story about
early Acadian life and history. This is one of the best examples
of how museums, working with communities, can help uncover the
past and create pride in our culture."

The exhibit originally developed for the World Acadian Congress
in 1995, features Acadian materials from the United States and
the three Maritime provinces. The earliest archeological project
featured in the exhibit took place at Ile Sainte Croix in 1796
when the border between Canada and the United States was being
established.

Archeology is particularly important when dealing with early
Acadian sites because documentary records are very scarce and
archeology provides an Acadian voice from the period.

Using the exhibit, Un regard sur L'Acadie as a focus, the
Federation Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Ecosse, the Conseil Culturel
Acadien de la Nouvelle-Ecosse, Canadian Heritage, Parks Canada
and the Nova Scotia Museum are presenting a series of exhibits,
events, workshops, food tasting, special talks, dancing, music
and genealogy workshops which highlight Acadian history and
traditions, called Celebrating Acadie.

Acadian Affairs Minister Allister Surette joined with members of
the Acadian community to launch Celebrating Acadie and said:
"Weaving the work of historians, archeologists, artists and
performers with the dwellings and belongings of Acadians of 200
years ago will truly help visitors experience Acadian culture
from yesterday and today."

The Museum of Natural History, Halifax, is open daily,
Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.,
Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

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Contact: David Christianson  902-424-6461
         Joan Waldron  902-424-7398

sab                      Jan. 24, 1997 - 9:35 a.m.