Archaeological Dig PAC Museum 2013

2013 Archaeological Dig Results

Montreal Museum of Archeology and History Pointe-à-Callière (PAC) has unveiled some major discoveries during the summer 2013 dig on the historical site of the former St. Ann’s Market and the Parliament of the United Province of Canada. That location is classified as a heritage site by Québec Department of Culture and Communications.

Close to 50,000 artefacts and biofacts, as well as charred remains of 35 books have been found at the dig at Place D’Youville in Old Montréal, beneath a former City of Montreal parking lot, where the remains of the historical sites are located.

The book fragments that were found are charred and carbonized due to the fire that took place on the night of April 25, 1849 that destroyed the Parliament buildings and all its library collections. The remains of the books have were sent to the Canadian Conservation Institute which is assessing restoration options in order to identify the books and make them accessible.

The enlarged book fragment above is one of the pieces under the glass cover (lower left corner of the glass box) in the photo below.

In addition, it has been announced that PAC Museum has launched its first ever fundraising campaign. The co-chairs of this fundraising campaign are the representatives of the National Bank of Canada. The project team has already raised over $7 million dollars.

PAC Museum's statement:

"Towards an Archaeology and History Complex

Showcasing St. Ann’s Market—home of the Parliament of the United Province of Canada—and the items found there is just one part of Pointe-à-Callière’s extensive plans to create an archaeology and history complex comprising some ten sites. Aside from displaying the remains of this site, the planned complex will also preserve and display the remains of Fort Ville-Marie and of Callière’s Residence, and will include a space to house international exhibitions, all of which will be linked underground by a 400-metre stretch of the William collector sewer. The completion of this unique heritage treasure is planned for 2017, to mark the Museum’s 25th anniversary, Montréal’s 375th birthday, and the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Pointe-à-Callière intends to preserve and showcase these sites as a commemorative gesture, giving the public access to this exceptional heritage, today and in the future. Full details on the planned expansion are available on the Museum’s website."

Visit the PAC Museum's site to find out more about the museum and its exhibitions

http://www.pacmusee.qc.ca/en/home


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