Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site of Canada

Learning Experiences

Interpretation Programs

Interpretation programs adapted to preschoolers and the three primary cycles are delivered at the National Historic Site. Activities corresponding to the new level of skills established by the Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec are especially designed for this clientele.

• An eyeful of memories
• If the river could speak...
• A shako for everyone
• Offsite presentation

Cost of the visit
Starting at $2 per student, taxes included.
Free for chaperones.
Rates available for one-day packages.

An Eyeful of Memories

This program is intended for the young children. It offers a pleasurable introduction to the concept of memory and its preservation. The museum's mission is also presented in an educational context, in which the children create while having fun.

The Pacane's memories: By watching the video of Pacane the beaver, the children are introduced to the concept of memory and the museum's mission. Where do the old objects go? How are they preserved?

Preserved souvenirs: The objects shown by Pacane the beaver are preserved and are part of the exhibition in the museum's hall. Through a treasure hunt rally, the children learn with previously lost objects and discover their purpose.

A souvenir of peace: The students produce a collective mural intended to leave a message of universal peace. The work, in which they all participate, will then be photographed and in turn will become a souvenir of the children's visit to the site.

If the River Could Speak...

For children who are beginning their primary education, this program emphasizes the materials of history. How did people come to learn of the events of Charles-Michel de Salaberry's victory of October 26, 1813? The students discover different traces and clues that give them a better understanding of an event that happened nearly two hundred years ago.

The battlefield: Thanks to an interactive scale model, children see the most significant trace of the Battle of the Châteauguay, its battlefield. They establish links between the components of the scale model, representing the site in 1813, and the components of the current outdoor landscape. They are told the highlights of the Battle of the Châteauguay. The children also remember that the Châteauguay River was at the heart of the battle on October 26, 1813.

The combatants: From the presentation of the militia camp (lodging, uniforms, food) and various archival documents (letters, enlistment contract, etc.), the children discover the militiaman's material universe and living conditions. They also participate in a simulated enlistment in the Canadian Voltigeurs.

Artifacts: In the museum hall, the young people are in contact with many objects that recall the era of the War of 1812 and the Battle of the Châteauguay. Through a rally treasure hunt, the students become familiar with the objectives of yesteryear and are invited to compare them with objects used today.

A Shako for Everyone

This program is dedicated to students who soon will be completing their primary education. In the army, cooperation, communication and know-how are the factors for success in conflict. This educational program proposesa reflection on the ability of humans to find solutions to the problems confronting them.

Strategy: In the first part, the young visitors become familiar with the main developments of the Battle of the Châteauguay through the presentation of the interactive scale model, located at the Interpretation Centre lookout. They discover the troops involved in the armed conflict and the strategies deployed by both sides.

Communications: This activity shows the disproportion of the opposing forces in the Battle of the Châteauguay and the importance of effective communication as a battle unfolds. The young visitors discover the principal means of communication on a battlefield and simulate the transmission of codes, such as those dictated in 1813.

Commemoration: This last activity invites the pupils to consider their opinion regarding the Battle of the Châteauguay. Through a debate, they develop answers regarding the importance of commemorating the Battle of the Châteauguay.

Offsite Presentation

The team of guide-interpreters visits the school to give their presentation. This activity is mainly intended for secondary students.

Lasting about one hour, the presentation is divided into two parts. The first part presents the history of the battle and its leading players. The second part is completely interactive. The students participate in a simulated enlistment in the Canadian Voltigeurs. They can view a reproduction of weapons and uniforms used by the soldiers in the 1813 battle. Artifacts are presented to help them imagine the living conditions of the period. All the material is supplied by the Battle of the Châteauguay team.

The fees for the classroom visit are $75 per activity. For more information or to reserve a visit, don't hesitate to contact us.