ACTIVITIES IN 2008

Music Concert 2008

Sunday, January 13^th

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

From May 12^th to May 30^th

Archaeological Digs - The archaeological digs, directed by Jonathan Fowler of Saint Mary’s University, take place daily from May 12^th to May 30^th, 2008

  

The Historic Site Opens for the Season

Saturday, May 17^th

Opening Day for the public at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada

Jeux de l'Acadie

Sunday, June 29^th

More than 1,000 athletes from the four Atlantic Provinces participating in the 29^th Final of the Jeux de l'Acadie, as well as over 200 organizers and volunteers for the games, visit Grand-Pré. A special program is planned for this event. Members of the Lyons Club from the Grand-Pré/Wolfville area prepare the meal and are assisted by members of the MADD organization and a few local RCMP officers who serve the meal to the young athletes, organizers and volunteers.

An organized visit of the historic site is presented by the guide interpreters employed by the  Société Promotion Grand-Pré as well as members of Les Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré, thanks to the generosity of the federal Canadian heritage Ministry, and that of Monsieur Gaston Chagnon, a member of the Board of the Société Promotion Grand-Pré.

We've been expecting you for over 250 years!

Photo: Gérald Mallet

Photo: François Gaudet

The band "Grand Dérangement" of la Baie Sainte Marie appears in concert. The name refers to the explusion of the Acadians in 1755, but the name also alludes to the group wanting to rouse its audience. The music is exciting, the show a visual feast, and the highly poetic songs, while insightful, defy the audience to sit still. The bow fires up the fiddle... the sparks fly.

The band "Grand Dérangement"

Canada Day

Tuesday, July 1^st

Canada Day  - FREE ADMISSION (except for commercial tour groups). A birthday cake and refreshments are offered to visitors.

Book Signing

Thursday and Friday, July 3^rd and July 4^th

Lois Donovan : book signing  - Winds of l'Acadie - A childen's book

Lois Donovan writes this story of sixteen-year-old Sarah from Toronto who spends her summer in Nova Scotia. Her summer is not going well, and just when she thinks her summer cannot get much worse, she finds herself transported to Acadia in 1755...

Joint Project with the Art Gallery of the University of Acadia

From July 4^th to September 5^th

Official Opening :   Friday, July 4^th, 7:00 p.m. at the Art Gallery of the University of Acadia

Nine artists, most of them Acadians, present recent artwork they created, in a variety of media, that responds to the theme of “Memory, Space and Heritage" as it pertains to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. The exhibition is held at the Acadia University Art Gallery from July 4^th to September 5^th, 2008. This exhibition is a collaborative project of the Acadia University Art Gallery and the Société Promotion Grand-Pré. The official opening takes place at the Art Gallery of the University of Acadia on Friday, July 4^th, at 7:00 p.m.

Grand-Pré Greets Youths From New Minas

Wednesday, July 16^th

Children enrolled in the New Minas Recreation Centre Summer Camp visit Grand-Pré

Approximately 90 youths enrolled in the New Minas Recreation Centre Summer Camp visit Grand-Pré and participate in a scavenger hunt organized by the recreational staff.  This gives them the opportunity to visit the entire historic site, view the film on the Deportation and have a picnic on the grounds of the historic site.

Acadian Days 2008

La Société Promotion Grand-Pré invites you to celebrate Acadian heritage and culture on Acadian Days at Grand-Pré.

Friday, July 25^th

On Friday evening, the Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré organize an evening of conversation in French at the well-known restaurant Joe’s Emporium in Wolfville, from 6pm to 8pm. The folklorist Georges Arsenault gives a 20 minute talk on Léah Maddix, a storyteller and singer from PEI. This is a wonderful chance for Acadians, Francophones and Francophiles to get together and chat in a friendly atmosphere.

Saturday July 26^th

- Talks -

(No entrance fees for people attending the Talks)

(1) JOHN JOHNSTON     10:30 - 11:30 am

Promise, Glory and Despair:  Louisbourg and Its Roles in the Grand Dérangement

John Johnston examines the dramatic events that unfolded in the Atlantic region between 1749 and 1758 and their impact on the Acadians. He also examines the attitudes of the authorities in Louisbourg with regard to the Acadians.

A.J.B. (John) Johnston is a longtime historian with Parks Canada and the author of numerous studies of different aspects of Atlantic Canada's history. Among his books are Grand-Pré, Heart of Acadie, co-written with Wayne Kerr; The Summer of 1744;   Life and Religion at Louisbourg, and most recently, Endgame 1758: The Promise, the Glory and the Despair of Louisbourg's Last Decade (2007). 

(2) EARLE LOCKERBY *    11:30 - 12:30 am

The Deportation of the Prince Edward Island Acadians, 1758

Earle Lockerby provides details on the number of inhabitants deported from the Island, the number who escaped and the number who died as a result of deportation. He also talks about the fate of some of the more notable residents and some of the myths regarding the Deportation of 1758.

Earle Lockerby's publications have focused on PEI history, primarily in the 18th century. He has published articles in Acadiensis, Les Cahiers, The Canadian Journal of Native Studies, and The Island Magazine. His book Deportation of the Prince Edward Island Acadians, was launched by Nimbus in May 2008.

* Mr. Lockerby is available for Book Signing during lunch, at the breaks, and throughout the day.

LIGHT LUNCH: 12:30 - 1:30 For the modest sum of $5.00, a light lunch, prepared by les Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré, can be purchased at the historic site.

(3) CHRISTOPHE RIVET     1:30 - 2:00 pm (PRESENTATION IN ENGLISH)      

Working together for a common goal: building a case for Grand-Pré as World Heritage

The cultural landscape of Grand-Pré is one of eleven candidates that Canada will be proposing for World Heritage designation in the coming years. Work has begun on the nomination proposal which looks at the landscape of Grand-Pré as a unique natural environment that was modified by the Acadians, and maintained by the Planters and subsequent groups, up to this day. Christophe Rivet will give an overview of a nomination proposal and an update on the latest work being done on Grand-Pré’s proposal.

Christophe Rivet is a planner with Parks Canada and is managing, along with key partners, the World Heritage nomination proposal for Grand Pré. Trained in archaeology and built environment, he has worked in Canada and abroad developing an expertise in historic site management.

(4) STEPHEN WHITE     2:30 - 3:30 pm

Le sort des Acadiens de l’île Royale à partir de 1758

Stephen White gives his talk in French. The Deportation of 1758 was just as hard on the Acadians of Isle Royale (Cape Breton) as the Deportation of 1755 was on the Acadians of mainland Nova Scotia. Stephen White attempts to clarify the tragedy of Isle Royale Acadians by examining the fate of several specific families.

Stephen White has been the genealogist at the Centre d’études acadiennes of the Université de Moncton since 1975. He has published over sixty articles on Acadian history and genealogy. The first volume of his Dictionnaire généalogique des familles acadiennes (1999) was awarded the D.L. Jacobus Prize of the Society of American Genealogists in 2005. 

(5) GEORGES ARSENAULT     4:00 - 5:00 pm

La Déportation des Acadiens de l’île Saint-Jean : une histoire de courage, de détermination et de résilience

Georges Arsenault gives his talk in French. Using genealogical research, he explores the itinerary of a number of Island Acadians who survived the Deportation of 1758 and who eventually returned to the Island or who settled in France, Louisiana, the West Indies, Quebec, Nova Scotia or New Brunswick. 

Historian et ethnographer, Georges Arsenault specializes in the history and traditions of Prince Edward Island Acadians. He has published a number of books, including Island Acadians: 1720-1980; Acadian Legends, Folktales, and Songs from Prince Edward Island; and La Mi-Carême en Acadie. His article “Les Acadiens de la baie de Malpèque: 1728 à 1820" will appear this summer in the journal Les Cahiers de la Société historique acadienne.

Sunday July 27^th

FREE ADMISSION (except for commercial tour groups)

La Société Promotion Grand-Pré invites you to celebrate Acadian heritage and culture on Acadian Days at Grand-Pré.

11:00 a.m. - Mass celebrated in French by Father Maurice LeBlanc, with music accompaniment by Iain Beaton, and sponsored by Les Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré; Madame Françoise Enguehard, President of the Société nationale de l'Acadie, will say a few words.

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Cajun Jitterbug Workshop (Jennie Herbin)

12:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Shows, exhibits, food fare, arts and crafts of all kinds; do the Cajun Jitterbug (Jennie herbin); paint under the Willow Trees (Célina Murray); activities for children...

For the first time ever, adult guests can purchase a glass of wine or sip some liqueur, along with other food... Our partners in this venture: "Domaine de Grand-Pré Winery" and Tangled Garden.

Featuring

12:30 - 2:00: The group of musicians from Halifax Grou Tyme Gumbo are featured in their first appearance at Grand-Pré.

If you like traditional cajun music (and who doesn’t?), you’ll have a great time listening to this group composed of Robert-Yves Mazerolle, Terry-Smith Lamothe, Vincent Petitpas, André Aucoin and James Dean-Moore.

2:15 - 3:45:

Angèle Arsenault, a popular Acadian singer from Prince Edward Island sings at Grand-Pré!

 

Biographie 

Born in Acadie on Prince-Edward-Island, the 8^th child among 14 in her family, Angèle's singing debut begins at the early age of 14 when she wins a singing competition on television in Charlottetown. After completing her post graduate studies at Laval University, Angèle moves to Montreal and begins her career as writer-composer-interpreter.

In 1975 she records her first album "Première" followed by an album in English. In 1979 her album "Libre" is a triumph that sees her awarded the Felix trophy that goes triple platinum. She has an impressive run: 15 albums, over 500 songs, thousands of shows in Canada and in France, "l'Ordre de la Pléiade", an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Prince-Edward-Island, Officer of the Order of Canada, the Order of Prince-Edward-Island, the Hugo, Étoile and Éloizes trophies.

Many of her songs have already become classics: Moi j’mange, Les bleus, Y a une étoile pour vous, Je veux toute la vivre ma vie et Grand Pré that has become the monumental theme song for Acadians the world over. She also wrote the theme song for the 250^th celebrations of the Deportation on the Island, and this summer she goes on stage at Grand-Pré, in Charlottetown and in her native Summerside, at Francoforce and at the Jubilee Theatre. Famous pioneer of Acadian music, Angèle continues to spread her celebration of life with great humour, passion and poetry.

You are in for a real treat!!!

Monday July 28^th

OFFICIAL ROYAL PROCLAMATION DAY commemorating the Deportation

Commemoration of Le Grand Dérangement (The Acadian Deportation) - An invitation to participate

On the 28th of July, Canada recognizes annually the deportation of les Acadiens. This is the date in 1755 on which Governor Lawrence signed the Order to deport the population of over 12,000 men, women and children. Many events and ceremonies are held throughout the Maritimes to commemorate the events of 1755, to honour the survival of the Acadien People, and to work towards restoring right relationships with our First Nation’s peoples.

11:00 am  – Visit of The Lieutenant Governor at Grand-Pré

Her Honour The Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis visits the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada at 11:00 am,  where she is welcomed by Monsieur Stan Surette, President of la Société Promotion Grand-Pré and Victor Tétrault, Executive Director of the Société.

12 noon – Laying of the Wreaths of Remembrance

Wreath laying ceremony at the Deportation Cross (Horton’s Landing) by the Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré, the United Church of Canada, la Société Promotion Grand-Pré and other groups to honour the memory of all the Acadians who were deported and to honour the Acadian people of today. Her Honour The Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis also lays a wreath at the Deportation Cross.

17h55 (5:55pm) – Commemoration Service at the Covenanter Church

Bells ring at 17:55 to mark two minutes of silence which are followed by a sweet grass Blessing and First Nation Prayer. An intercultural service of commemoration is then held inside the Covenanter Church.

7 pm – Walk of Solidarity   

People are invited to participate in the walk of solidarity (1.5 km) from the Covenanter Church to Grand Pré National Historic Site. The walk is followed by a reception organized by the Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré in the Visitor Centre.

 For further information contact:

The July 28 Committee

Betty Curry

bettyjeancurry@yahoo.ca

The Aboiteau is Back in Grand-Pré

Wednesday, August 13^th

After undergoing two years of conservation treatment, the aboiteau found in May 2006 by Robert Palmeter and Donald Kennie near Grand-Pré National Historic Site is now in the Visitors’ Centre. Instead of lying in waterlogged clay, it is resting on trestles for public viewing.

National Acadian Day

Friday, August 15^th

- FREE ADMISSION -

The following activities will take place at Grand-Pré on this the Acadian National Day...

Approximately 150 children come again this year to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada from the Summer Camps program offered in the Halifax-Dartmouth Metropolitan Area by the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial.

Jeanne (Doucet) Currie, Acadian singer-songwriter-storyteller, will perform her oroginal and lively music at the historic site in the troubadour fashion until 1:00 pm.

Then, at 2:00 and again at 4:00 pm, Acadian Kitchen Party with Jeanne (Doucet) Currie and Wayne Currie.

Biography

Jeanne (Doucet) Currie

www.jeannedoucetcurrie.ca

Edith Butler says....’’ Ça sonne comme moi, pleine d'énergie! Je vous félicite……keep on sharing your musical journey with us. Wonderfull songs.’’ Jeanne’s singing and music has been described in the media in many different ways, but it all comes down to a great time ! Artistically, Jeanne has been recognized by her peers many times.  Her first two CDs (En Acadie, nous voici ! - 2004, and Elle s’en souvient ! – 2006), have garnished three nominations from Music Nova Scotia and seven Bartchette awards from Radio CIFA. She was a finalist in the Gala de la Chanson of Nova Scotia in both 2003 and 2004. In 2006 she added two small storytelling prizes. Her new album ‘Serrons-nous la main’ is among the 10 albums selected for the Franco Country, CBC/Radio-Canada Galaxie July 2008 list.  She has presented her flavour of l’Acadie in the Maritimes as well as in the Yukon in 2007 and in France in 2008.  She will make you laugh, sing and laisser les bons temps rouler!!!

Activities:

11:00 a.m. Mass under the Willow Trees - Father Albéni d’Entremont, and Johanne McInnis on harp

11:55 p.m. Raising of the Acadian flag with the Ave Maris Stella

12:00 p.m. Family Picnic, Acadian cake, lemonade

- Harpist Johanne McInnis -

www.johannemcinnis.ca

Johanne J. McInnis is a French Canadian harpist and singer whose music style is that of jazz/celtic. She is presently working on her third album: Au delà des apparences (Beyond Appearances). Johanne is a Music and a French teacher with the Annapolis Valley School Board and during her concerts across Canada she is accompanied by Renaud Labelle, bass player, and Bernard Riche, percussionist. She loves to share her passion for this very mystic instrument. During the August 15th, 2008 celebrations at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, she acquaints visitors with one of the world's most ancient instruments: the Harp.

- Harp Workshop -

1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5;00 pm

Come discover one of the world's most ancient instruments: the Harp.

Each workshop lasts 45 minutes. Participants are acquainted with:

* the history of the instrument

*actually play the instrument

* how the harp is constructed and the different types of harps

* the hand techniques

$10 per person or $20 per family (maximum of 10 to 12 persons per workshop) - first come, first serve.

Other activities

10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

·        Paint Workshop

·        Rope Binding Workshop

·        Games

·        Frisbee

·        DodgeBall

·        Kyte Flying

3:00 p.m. The Making of Linen - Discover how a flax stem can be transformed into beautiful linen material. This interactive activity will please visitors of all ages.

 Happy Acadian National Day!

Day of Commemoration of the Deportation

Friday, September 5^th

Commemoration of the beginning of the Deportation at Grand-Pré

3:00 p.m. - Public reading of the Deportation Order, the raising of the Acadian flag and the singing of the Acadian National Anthem.

Artist: Renée Forrestall

- Thank you Monsieur Gaston Chagnon -

Visit of the Lieutenant Governor

Thursday, October 2^nd

Her Honour The Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis visits the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada at 10:00 am,  where she is welcomed by Monsieur Stan Surette, President of la Société Promotion Grand-Pré, Victor Tétrault, Executive Director of the Société, and Brigitte Cooney, Head Guide. This is Her Honour's second visit this season as her first visit on July 28^th had been a very brief one.

Thanksgiving

Monday, October 13^th

Thanksgiving Day - Learn how Acadians prepared for winter with linen and wool demonstrations. Also, enjoy a cup of cider and ginger cookie.

The Historic Site Closes for the Season

Wednesday, October 15^th

Closing Day at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site of Canada... Come again next year!!! The Historic Site re-opens on May 16th, 2009.

DURING THE OFF-SEASON

OPEN FOR SCHOOLS AND OTHER GROUPS - CALL (902) 542-1951 TO MAKE A RESERVATION or SEND AN E-MAIL TO:

For Schools: schoolsgrandpre@mac.com

For Groups: contact@grand-pre.com

Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds year-round:

* during open season - after closing (6:00 pm)

* during closed season - anytime

"Festival de la parole" - Social Evening at Grand-Pré

Thursday, October 16^th

The Festival de la parole de la Baie Ste Marie visits the Historic Site. The visit is followed by a social evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, organized by Les Ami(e)s de Grand-Pré

Several storytellers from France will entertain the audience.

Wine & Cheese (featuring wines from the Grand-Pré area)

The Wine & Cheese is sponsored by Festival de la parole de la Baie Ste Marie

The Magic Rug of Grand-Pré

Sunday, December 7^th

A Storytelling and Christmas Card making afternoon

Performances are held at 2:00 p.m. in French and at 3:00 p.m. in English.

Christmas craft and card making workshops for children (from 2-4 p.m.) and refreshments for all.

Les Amis de Grand-Pré and La Sociéte Promotion Grand-Pré are pleased to present this annual event.

For more information, please contact:
Victor Tétrault, Executive Director
Société Promotion Grand-Pré
P.O. Box 150 - Grand-Pré, N.S. B0P 1M0
Tel: (902) 542-1952
Fax: (902) 542-1691
http://www.grand-pre.com
info@grand-pre.com