Archeological digs

The first report assessing the fort ruins was made in 1913. At that time, all that remained in the middle of a field was a stone wall, brick foundations and the remains of a powder magazine. During the 1920s, the ruins were cleared as much as possible and the walls were stabilized.

Start of the excavations

The first archeological digs at the fort began in the summer of 1962. Four years later, under the direction of Jervis D. Swannack, systematic excavations were carried out over a period of three years. This work uncovered the French powder magazine and casemate along with remains of a wooden palisade dating from 1751. Barracks from both the French and British occupation period were also unearthed. The more fragile structural features were reinforced or restored to give visitors a better glimpse of life in the fort.

History of the Isthmus of Chignecto

Archeological excavations have uncovered the remains of four military occupations of the fort of Beauséjour and Fort Cumberland. Thousands of artefacts were found in the course of these digs, some of which are on display in the Museum. This collection of objects and artefacts provides a valuable illustration of the history of the Isthmus of Chignecto, a region which occupies a pivotal position in the history of the Canadian people.