It’s time for all of Renfrew County’s young archaeology buffs to roll up their sleeves and head down the Little Bonnechere River.
The Friends of Bonnechere Parks are hosting six days of exploring the deep history inside Bonnechere park, starting this Saturday, July 8th, with a Public Archaeology Day.
Kids are invited to take on the role of an archaeologist with a simulated excavation staged by the Ottawa Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society, build their own coil pot, and see artifacts dug up locally over the past 20 years.
Then that evening, author and archaeologist Rory MacKay will lead an illustrated talk dubbed “Lessons About Cultural Heritage and Archaeology I Have Learned Along the Bonnechere River.”
The Society will stick around the Davenport Centre on Sunday, July 9th, taking your questions while they set up a dig site of their own, which you can take a tour of in real-time on Monday, June 10th.
A dig demonstration takes over the Davenport Centre on the morning of Tuesday, July 11th, before things head to the Lafleur Homestead at 10:00am for a tour and discovery of the people who lived there on the River.
Archaeologist Courtney Cameron will lead a hands-on archaeo-experience designed for youth ages 8 to 12 at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 12th. There will also be displays, activities, and artifacts at the Davenport Centre for all visitors. Pre-registration is required, and you can do so online or by calling 888-668-7275.
Things wrap up on Thursday, July 13th, as the Friends of Bonnechere Parks gather at the Davenport Centre to share stories in the morning before a chance that evening to mingle with archaeologists, park staff, and the Friends.
Campers and people just looking to dig in and have some fun at Bonnerchere Park this weekend can do so up to five days in advance through the Parks Ontario website.
(written by Kasey Egan)
