Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site
The Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site of Canada is managed by Parks Canada. The site commemorates the last naval combat in North America between France and England for the possession of New France. The exhibition showcases parts of the Machault, a French frigate sunk during the battle, and numerous artifacts raised from the river during underwater excavations conducted between 1969 and 1972.
Activity {num}: Underwater archaeology simulator - 2011
The underwater archaeology simulator is a large wooden box full of sand concealing reproductions of artifacts discovered in the Restigouche River. Accompanied by an interpretive guide, children don diving goggles that are slightly misty to simulate actual underwater visibility as they search for objects and discover archaeological treasures.
Activity {num}: Clay reproduction workshop. Create a historical artifact!
This workshop invites you to reconstruct 3D archaeological objects in clay. This activity can be enjoyed by adults, as well as being suitable for children aged 5 and up. Learn how artifacts are restored, using fragments of reproductions. Come and make reproductions of a cannonball marked with a “Fleur de Lys,” a pair of 18th-century curling tongs or even a sailmaker’s palm, as you learn more about the Machault’s rich collection of artifacts.
Activity {num}: Underwater archaeology at Restigouche
The site’s interpretation team will offer visitors various activities based on underwater archaeological excavations at Restigouche: - Guided tours with an emphasis on excavations at Restigouche, as well as the remains and artifacts recovered from the frigate Machault, with references to the model of the ship displayed in the reception area. - Guided tours given by a French soldier, presenting weaponry such as a 12-pound canon (with a demonstration of how it worked), a French musket and the different kinds of projectiles raised from the Restigouche River during underwater excavations between 1969-1972.
Activity {num}: Archaeo Photos
To mark the 40th anniversary of the start of underwater research at Restigouche (1969), a photo exhibition will be presented during Archaeological Month. Following a request made through the local media, people sent in unpublished photos taken from the riverbanks between 1969 and1972. The most significant photos were selected for the exhibition.