|
What's Happening ?
Archaeological Excavation at St. Ann's, Cape Breton
Students at work
|
During the spring of 2002, Saint Mary's University archaeology students are excavating the remains of the early 19th century home of Reverend Norman McLeod at St. Ann's, Cape Breton. The excavation is under the direction of April MacIntyre as part of her Masters thesis research at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The academic training for the field school students is under the direction of Dr. Stephen A. Davis, Department of Anthropology, Saint Mary's University, Halifax.
The remains of Reverend Norman McLeod's house are located on the grounds of the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts. All that is left today is an overgrown cellar depression. McLeod is an important historical figure as he established the first organized Presbyterian congregation in Cape Breton.
Excavation of house cellar
|
After suffering a period of severe famine, the community built six ships and sailed, one after another over a period of 8 years, to Australia in search of better conditions. McLeod departed St. Ann's on board the first ship, the Margaret, in 1851. He later settled in Waipu, New Zealand along with many of his followers.
Reverend Norman McLeod died in 1866. His last words to his followers were reported to be: "Children, children, look to yourselves; the world is mad."
The archaeologists hope to learn more about the domestic architecture of early 19th century Scottish houses in Cape Breton as well as the factors that influence the architecture such as socioeconomic status and household demographics.
Field laboratory, Gaelic College |
-photos and text by Steve Powell, Nova Scotia Museum
New Curatorial Report
Curatorial Report #96: Morphological and Biometric Study of the Bones of the Buccal Apparatus of Some Nova Scotia Fishes of Archaeological Interest by Alfonso L. Rojo is now available for purchase. For information on how to obtain a copy go to the Nova Scotia Museum publications page.
Past What's Happening Pages:
|
