News

Les Jardins de Métis Unveil the Results of the Recent Archeological Discoveries

2013-07-24
As part of Archeology Month of ARCHÉO-QUÉBEC, Les Jardins de Métis will unveil the results of recent digs that have taken place at Les Jardins de Métis (Reford Gardens) over the past month. Archeologist Dominique Lalande will present a lecture entitled « Le potentiel archéologique de la rivière Mitis et son embouchure – esquisses de la démarche archéologique et des résultats préliminaires d’un inventaire archéologique » on Sunday, August 4 at 2 pm at the Blue Poppy café at Les Jardins de Métis. The lecture will be given in French and is free.  

Archeologists from the La Pocatière firm Ruralys have worked on the property for the past two years, undertaking a study of the archeological potential of the site in 2012. In June this year, they continued their study, examining sites at the mouth of the Mitis River, with the help of a grant from the ministère de la Culture et des Communications and the Fonds du patrimoine culturel québécois.

Dominique Lalande will present the results of their research begining with the prehistoric Amerindian settlements to the sport fishing practised by Elsie Reford and her family.  Archeologists uncovered the foundations of two 19th century buildings that were used by the Price Brothers lumber company that shipped lumber from the wharf at the mouth of the river.

The mouth of the Mitis River has formed part of the property of Les Jardins de Métis since the 1960s. The site is the object of an ongoing efforts led by Les Jardins de Métis to re-landscape the mouth of the river. The studies will help plan future archeological interventions on the site and inform the gardens’ ongoing efforts to landscape the Mitis River and its potential. Little did we know that some of the most interesting aspects of the history could be found underfoot!

For more information on Archeology Month consult www.archeoquebec.com. Les Jardins de Métis (Reford Gardens) are open every day until September 29. Admission to the gardens is free for children 13 and under. For more information on the gardens and the complete program of activities, consultwww.refordgardens.com or call 418 775-2222, ext. 221.