Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, Pointe-à-Callière – the birthplace of Montréal – is a spectacular museum built over genuine archaeological sites. Discover its new multimedia show Yours Truly, Montréal, permanent exhibitions and a temporary exhibition entitled “To Your Health, Caesar! Wine and the Gauls,” which runs until November 16, 2011.
Activity {num}: The city under the city - 2011
Revel in an archaeological experience in the heart of Montréal’s first “downtown.” You’ll find a fortified town, its first marketplace and its business district, as well as the Governor’s residence, all in an 18th-century setting. This activity is presented in conjunction with Pointe-à-Callière’s annual Public Market. Do not forget to stop at the “Market” and sample the delicacies of New France.
Activity {num}: Fledgling archaeologists
From the dig site to the lab, children get an introduction to the work done by archaeologists. They’ll have a chance to take part in a simulated archaeological dig led by an archaeologist and interpretative guide in the Museum’s discovery space. Their mission will be to unearth traces of different periods in Montréal’s past. They’ll discover everyday objects that testify to Pointe-à-Callière’s occupation by different groups over a period of 1000 years. This activity is presented in conjunction with Pointe-à-Callière’s annual Public Market.
Activity {num}: “Montréal, fortified city “ Tour. - 2011
A collaboration of the City of Montréal and Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History.
Did you know that Montréal was a fortified city? This walking tour lets you explore the urban landscape of 18th-century Montréal. Stone walls, around 6 metres high, extended for 3.4 km and surrounded the city at that time to protect its large institutional buildings landscaped with walled gardens, as well as some 400 houses built between 1720 and 1780. Archaeologists await you along this unique route on which you will discover evocative remains of the era.
Activity {num}: Exploration Route for families
Help Romeo the rat, a storyteller and professional snoop, find selected artifacts in the archaeological remains presented by the Museum. This playful tour allows participants to explore the permanent exhibition “Where Montréal was born.”
Activity {num}: “Where Montréal Was Born” interpretive tour.
Once upon a time there was a town – founded on a point of land between the St. Lawrence and a smaller river – that grew and flourished around its public square… Learn about this wonderful story in Pointe-à-Callière’s permanent exhibition, featuring authentic remains and artefacts, intriguing multimedia displays, and new interactive models. An interpretive tour that takes you along an unusual underground route!
* Schedule may change without notice. Please check our Website www.pacmusee.qc.ca for more details.
Activity {num}: Pointe-à-Callière archaeological digs. Site of St. Ann’s Market/Parliament of the United Province of Canada.
Presented in collaboration with the Centre d’histoire de Montréal.
This summer, Place D'Youville, in the southwest part of Old Montréal, will see major archaeological digs on the site of the St. Ann's Market (1832), which housed the Parliament of the United Province of Canada (1844-1849). The market was built above the Little Saint-Pierre River, which had been canalized. As part of its expansion plans, Pointe-à-Callière will be unearthing the remains of the building and the magnificent masonry collector sewer. The project has been made possible with financial support from the city of Montréal and the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine.