Pre-historic fireplace discovered during 2016 summer
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The Biggest Pre-Historic Archeological Site on the Island of Montréal

Within the restoration of Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier, archeological digs discovered the largest pre-historic site on the island of Montréal. With an area of 6800 square metres, the site bears witness to the fact that it was occupied by the First Nations on a continuous basis for 5500 years. Since 2005, nearly 20,000 artifacts have been excavated in this way, revealing the activities carried out there in the past (hunting, fishing, camps, etc.). A portage, meeting and trading place for five thousand years, the Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier site boasts a wealth of history.

 

 

 

In 2016 and 2017, the Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier site hosted archeological digs by students and archeologists from McGill University. Many artifacts and remains of buildings were found during these digs. A rare opportunity, the public was invited to observe the area being excavated by this group and ask the archeologists questions.