The Kingston Archaeological Centre
The Kingston Archaeological Centre is located at 611 Princess St. in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Our hours are 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.
The Centre was established in 1986 by the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation with the purpose of providing the community with a facility from which activities relating to the education, research, conservation, and management of the area's archaeological resources could be coordinated.
The display area provides an overview of the history of the human occupation of Eastern Ontario over the past 8000 years, from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century. The interpretations provided are based on archaeological and historical research about the region; artifacts included in the diplays are provided through donations and through field research in the area. Displays include historic maps, illustrations, and artifacts excavated from local archaeological sites characterizing different archaeological periods. The display is presented in chronological order. An exhibit on the process of archaeology, including a "touch and try" area, was opened in 2002.
The Centre also includes office space, a laboratory, storage area for artifacts and field equipment, and a library. In these areas, the day to day activities of the Foundation are conducted, and the records and artifacts of past activities are maintained.
Archaeology
Discover some of the important aspects of archaeological investigation and interpretation: What do archaeologists do? Why do they dig? What do they find? What does it all mean?
The History of Archaeology in Kingston
See how archaeology began and developed in the Kingston area. What are the important archaeological sites in Kingston?
Prehistory
"The first inhabitants of Ontario lived in small family-based groups..."
Find out about the people who settled in the area during prehistoric times. Artifacts and features from archaeological excavations help to reconstruct everyday life in, and adaptations to, a changing environment.
French Cataraqui
"...voyageurs travelled to the western posts, including Fort Frontenac, carrying European goods to exchange for furs...metal knives, axes, guns, pots, coloured glass beads..."
See highlights of the first permanent European settlement in the area. The excavation of Fort Frontenac in downtown Kingston has provided unique insight into daily life on a frontier trading post.
Loyalist Kingstown
"...Loyalists received generous grants of land, clothing, and tools to start the new settlement."
The British occupation of the abandoned French fort and the subsequent development of the town of Kingston are represented by the Loyalist settlement. Here we find the roots of the Kingston we know today.
Nineteenth Century Kingston
"Industry and commerce...were dependent on the military garrison, the transshipment business, and ship building."
Vast amounts of information have accumulated on this period of Kingston's history, reflecting both affluence and poverty, and military and civilian ways of life. Archaeological excavations of nineteenth century occupations have uncovered a variety of artifacts and structures.
Kids' Stuff: "Can You Dig It?"
Discover your past at Summer Archaeology Camp. With seperate sessions for ages 8-12 and 13-16, as well as a special adult camp, Can You Dig It? is packed with hands-on activities related to history and archaeology, including excavation at a real archaeological site.
Education
Our Education section arranges programmes and activities related to archaeology in Ontario. A variety of kits and videos are available, and we offer a half-day, hands-on workshop entitled "What Happens After the Dig," open to all ages. Public lectures on interesting local and province-wide archaeological activities are also organized.
Volunteering at the Kingston Archaeological Centre
As a non-profit organisation , The Kingston Archaeological Centre is always looking for people to help with the various tasks involved in processing and interpreting artifacts, as well as maintaining and updating the displays in the Interpretive Centre.
The Research Centre
The Kingston Archaeological Centre houses a large and important collection of artifacts relating to the settlement and occupation of Eastern Ontario, in particular the Kingston area. The artifact storage area and processing lab may be visited for a first-hand look at the artifacts after excavation and before they are displayed or repacked. The Centre is also home to a research library and archival collection which contains important information on the prehistory and history of Eastern Ontario, and facilities include a meeting/seminar room with audio visual aids, office space, and lab space, all of which are available for use.
Membership in the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation
Members are kept up to date on the Foundation's various projects, and have access to many of the extended resources of the Kingston Archaeological Centre. Various levels of membership in the Foundation are available.
Please contact us for information on visiting the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation at the Kingston Archaeological Centre.