48-Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
350 Place Royale
corner of La Commune
Montreal, Quebec
Information: 514-872-9150
www.pacmusee.qc.ca

Presentation: Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, Pointe-à-Callière is the birthplace of Montreal. This spectacular museum, built over genuine archaeological sites presents a multimedia show and permanent exhibitions. A temporary exhibition entitled “Pirates, privateers and freebooters,” runs until January 3, 2010.

Activity 1: The Fleur-de-lis tour

Dates: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Activity length: Self-guided tour
Admission fee: Adults: $14 Families: $30 Students (13 to 30): $8 Seniors: (65+): $10
Friends of the Museum: Free

Description: Come and follow the Fleur-de-lis route that is part of the exhibit “Where Montréal Was Born.” Parents and children can set their own pace as they discover archaeological artifacts and remains dating to the French period: Montreal’s first Catholic cemetery, the stone fortifications, the Würtele house, the old guardhouse that became the king’s storehouse, the first marketplace… Keep your eyes peeled and follow the fleurs-de-lis!

Target clientele: General

Activity 2: The city under the city

Dates: Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Activity length: Continuous
Admission fee: Free

Description: Revel in an archaeological experience in the heart of Montreal’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.

Target clientele: General

Activity 3: Fledgling archaeologists

Dates: Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Activity length: 45 minutes
Admission fee: Free

Description: 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 Montreal’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.

Target clientele: Families