Acadian Museum opens new archaeology exhibit

Islanders and visitors can learn more about four important Island archaeological sites at the Acadian Museum of PEI.

In partnership with the PEI Archaeology Office, the Acadian Museum of PEI will host a new multi-sensory exhibit showcasing over 300 years of Acadian cultural history. The new exhibit, Unearthing the past: Archaeological Discoveries of Prince Edward Island, will include interactive videos and displays, hands-on activities, and information panels on four important historical sites: Pointe-Aux-Vieux, Havre Saint-Pierre, Nikani-ika'taqank and Pitaweikek.

"This new exhibit has been a labour of love for provincial archaeologists, historians, and the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. I would encourage everyone who has an interest in learning about our Island's history to visit the Acadian Museum. This is a unique opportunity to connect with our past and to learn more about the people who lived on this Island over 300 years ago."

- Minister responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs, and Indigenous Relations, Premier Dennis King

The exhibit will be open to everyone until February 28, 2021.

"We are very excited to share this exhibition, as it literally digs deep into our past. Islanders rarely have an opportunity to experience first-hand their province 's archeological heritage, but this exhibition allows us to do exactly that. It connects us to a fascinating history, which until recently was hidden just underneath our feet," said Matthew McRae, executive director of PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.

Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Executive Council Office
[email protected]

Hillary MacDonald
Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
[email protected]

Backgrounder

Havre Saint Pierre

Saint Pierre was the site of the earliest European civilian settlement and first commercial centre in PEI. This settlement was occupied between c. 1720 - 1758, and was comprised of numerous homes, a church and a cemetery, as well as structures and buildings associated with cod fishing and farming.

Nikani-ika'taqank

Nikani-ika'taqank is a cluster of remnant living sites and activity areas in southeastern Malpeque Bay. This site was once viewed as the major focus of 18th century Mi'kmaq settlement on Prince Edward Island.

Pitaweikek

Pitaweikek is an ancient campsite located on Georges Island in northwestern Malpeque Bay, where for at least 2000 years the Mi'kmaq and ancestral peoples harvested sea life. The work conducted at this site was in collaboration with Lennox Island First Nation and the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI. Identified features suggest that various activities took place at this specialized coastal site including the shaping and sharpening of stone tools, food preparation and consumption, and the manufacture of earthenware vessels.

Pointe-aux-Vieux

Pointe-aux-Vieux is an archaeological site that consists of a remnant homestead containing thousands of fragmentary objects and personal belongings associated with an Acadian family that settled in Malpeque Bay in the early to mid-18th century.

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