If you’re interested in archaeology, then Ottawa is the place to be during Archaeology Month, which takes place August 1 to 31. Below are some of the activities happening in and around Ottawa during Archaeology Month. Please note that, unfortunately, the archaeological dig to be held at Pinhey’s Point Historic site, August 17, 18 and 19, 2018, has been cancelled.
Main hall
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
Produced by the City of Ottawa’s Museums and Heritage Programs Unit in partnership with the Cultural Education Centre at Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, the exhibit presents pre-contact and historical archaeology related to Ottawa and surrounding areas. Archaeological treasures from the City of Ottawa museums archaeology collection, as well as many artefacts uncovered and preserved during the LeBreton Flats redevelopment project, will be showcased. There will be a special focus on objects related to the history of childhood from the École Sainte-Famille site. They will paint a picture of the city’s history and tell the stories of those who came before us.
DETAILS
Date: From August 1 to 31 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Activity fee: Free!
Admission fee: Free; underground paid parking
Languages: English and French
Waiting list: No
Access for disabled visitors: Yes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Restaurant on site: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Family activities: Yes
Guided tours: No
Animation on site: No
Partner groups: Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
Contact: Forrest Pass, Exhibition Development & Research Officer, City of Ottawa, Cultural and Heritage Programs and Spaces, 613-580-2424, ext. 23849
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Centre
54 Makwa Mikan
Maniwaki, QC J9E 3B1
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
The Centre’s collection consists of objects, ranging from ceremonial, hunting, and trapping items, to canoe and water transportation, to military paraphernalia. The Algonquin Anishinabeg continue to be a vital and thriving community that looks forward to the future with pride as they value and respect their past and their ancestors.
Please call ahead of time to ensure that the premises are open to the public the day of your visit.
DETAILS
Date: From August 1 to 31 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Activity fee: $8/person
Languages: English and French
Waiting list: No
Access for disabled visitors: Yes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Restaurant on site: No
Picnic area: Yes
Family activities: Yes
Guided tours: No
Animation on site: No
Contact: Sylvia Morin, Coordinator, Kitigan ZIbi Cultural Centre, 819 441-1655
Location: Meet outside the main entrance of the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
The tour will focus on the history of LeBreton Flats as revealed by the series of archaeological investigations that have been undertaken in the area over the past decade. Hugh Daechsel, Senior Archaeologist at Golder, Inc., will lead the walking tour. Sites such as the Aubrey Row House, the Firth Tavern, St. Famille school and Duke Street will be discussed in the context of the mid to late nineteenth century community that was LeBreton Flats.
DETAILS
Date: August 12, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Activity fee: $10/person ($5 for members of Heritage Ottawa)
Language: English
Waiting list: No
Access for disabled visitors: Partial
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Restaurant on site: Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Family activities: Yes
Guided tours: Yes
Animation on site: Yes
Contact: David Jeanes, President, Heritage Ottawa, 613 230-8841;
Pinhey’s Point Historic Site
270 Pinhey’s Point Road
Dunrobin, ON K0A 1T0
DETAILS
Date: August 17, 18 and 19, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Michele LeBoldus, President, Pinhey’s Point Foundation, 613 832-1249
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
3929 Carp Road
Carp, ON K0A 1L0
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
Behind-the-Scenes Facility Tours
August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for weekly behind-the-scenes tours of several of the Diefenbunker’s industrial features, both above ground and buried (including the Machine Room!). For safety reasons, these tours are limited to visitors aged 16 and older. Flat, close-toed footwear is required. The tours will enter areas that are not wheelchair accessible and may present challenges to people with mobility issues. Maximum 12 people.
The Archaeology of the Cold War: Secrets, Myths and Ruins Temporary Exhibit
Come and discover the Archaeology of the Cold War, an emerging field that has largely been overlooked – until now. On display for the month of August only, visitors will delve into the past and investigate a period of time that has been almost completely removed from our living memory. Despite the limitations of the Cold War as restrictive in terms of confidentiality and secrecy, archaeologists are beginning to recognize this period as a viable area of study and excavation. Join us as we explore this new field of study and the physical evidence left behind of study and the physical evidence left behind by one of the most turbulent periods of our time.
“Cache 3929”
August 1 to August 31.
Hunt for top secret geocaches on the grounds ABOVE Canada’s Cold War Museum. Geocatching enthusiasts of all ages, especially children and families, will love this unique program. Visit geocaching.com for full details!
DETAILS
Date: August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29 2018, at 10:30 a.m. – behind the scenes tours
Reservation required: Please call to reserve.
Activity fee: Included in the price of general admission
Admission fee: Adults: $17.50
Seniors: $16.50
Students: $13
Children (6 to 18 years): $11; Children (5 years and under): Free
Families (2 adults and 5 children maximum): $48.50
Languages: English by bilingual guides
Waiting list: No
Access for disabled visitors: Partial
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Restaurant on site: No
Picnic area: Yes
Family activities: Yes
Guided tours: Yes
Animation on site: Yes
Contact: Dana Murray, Collections Assistant, Diefenbunker, 613 839-0007, or 1 800 409-1965