Port-Royal National Historic Site of Canada
Special Events
2012 Special Events at Fort Anne, Port-Royal, Melanson Settlement, and Fort Edward National Historic Sites
June 21 - National Aboriginal Day
July 1 - Canada Day Celebrations Free!
July 13-15 - Military Encampment
July 15 - Mi’kmaq Heritage Day
July 21 - Parks Day
July 22 - War of 1812 gun emplacement
August 3-5 - Natal Day Encampment, 84th of Foot 20th Anniversary
August 12 - Port-Royal Reconstruction Stories
August 15 - A Discovery of Acadian History and Archaeology
August 17 - A Dark Sky Adventure
August 19 - Fabulous Forts Day: Three forts in one
August 26 - Mi’kmaq Heritage Day
September 10 - Nova Scotia Charter Day
October 19-31 - Annapolis Royal ‘Ghost Town’
June
June 21 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
National Aboriginal Day
Port-Royal National Historic Site
On National Aboriginal Day, come to Port-Royal and experience various aspects of the unique culture, traditions, music and lifestyles of the Mi’kmaq people.
July
July 1 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Canada Day Celebrations
Free!
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Celebrate Canada’s 145th birthday! Engage your senses - join in the singing of “O Canada” at the flag raising ceremony, walk in the procession from Town Hall to the grounds at Fort Anne, eat a slice of Canada Day cake, play a game of croquet, listen to musical entertainment and take part in children’s activities.
July 13-15
Military Encampment
Fort Edward National Historic Site
Mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 by visiting the military encampment performed by the 84th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion (Royal Highland Emigrants). Chat with the military re-enactors to learn about life of British soldiers and their camp followers.
July 15 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mi’kmaq Heritage Day
Port -Royal National Historic Site
Come and experience Mi’kmaw traditions, history, drumming, song and lifestyle in these two special days highlighting Mi’kmaw culture. Sing a Mi’kmaw song, participate in a game of “waltes” and be certain to visit the wigwam.
July 21 1:30 pm-4:00 pm, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Parks Day
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Dance, music, and drama fill the air as we celebrate our rich cultural heritage on Parks Day. Be certain to have a piece of cake! Return for a memorable evening concert by the Annapolis Community Band and friends, featuring the 1812 overture.
July 22 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
War of 1812 gun emplacement
Depart from Fort Anne National Historic Site
Discover a War of 1812 gun emplacement by taking a field trip to the Prince Regent’s Battery at the Digby Gut. Listen as historian Brenda Dunn shares her knowledge of this strategic military site. View original cannons from the period. Space is limited, so please call 902-532-2397 to pre-register.
August
August 3-5
Natal Day Encampment, 84th of Foot 20th Anniversary
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Enjoy the sights, the smells, and the sounds of black powder musketry, outdoor cooking and life in an 18th century military camp. The 84th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion (Royal Highland Emigrants) create a vivid picture of the conditions of military life in the 18th century.
August 12 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Port-Royal Reconstruction Stories
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Interact with a variety of craftsmen who will demonstrate their skill and share their knowledge of the techniques used to reconstruct the Port-Royal Habitation. You will leave with a greater appreciation of the effort undertaken to rebuild this milestone in the preservation movement in Canada.
August 15 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
A Discovery of Acadian History and Archaeology
Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
Ask an archaeologist! Celebrate the Acadian National Holiday by participating in an archaeology themed program highlighting some of the rich cultural treasures found at the site of this 1660’s Acadian settlement.
August 17 9:30 pm
A Dark Sky Adventure
Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
Led by interpreters from the Dark Skies program at Kejimkujik National Park, enjoy a unique evening experience of star gazing. View constellations, hear legends and leave with a greater sense of appreciation and understanding of the night sky. This is a fair weather event.
August 19 1:30 pm-4:00 pm
Fabulous Forts Day: Three forts in one
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Learn how the Scots at Charles Fort, the French at “le fort de Port-Royal” and the British at “the Fort at Annapolis Royal” have interwoven their history and fortifications to create the fort that you see today at Fort Anne national Historic Site.
August 26 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Mi’kmaq Heritage Day
Port-Royal National Historic Site
Come and experience Mi’kmaw traditions, history, drumming, song and lifestyle in these two special days highlighting Mi’kmaw culture. Sing a Mi’kmaw song, participate in a game of “waltes” and be certain to visit the wigwam.
September
September 10 9am–5:30 pm
Nova Scotia Charter Day
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Nova Scotia’s Birth Certificate! In 1621, Sir William Alexander received a charter for “New Scotland” – Nova Scotia – to establish a Scottish colony in North America. On September 10, 1621 the Charter was signed in Edinburgh Scotland. Come see a 1621 original copy of the Charter on permanent display in Fort Anne.
October
October 19-31
Annapolis Royal ‘Ghost Town’
Fort Anne National Historic Site
Annapolis Royal becomes a “Ghost Town” in the “spirit” of the season. Fort Anne will be a venue for some of the mysteries of this storied place.
In the community:
Annapolis Royal Festivals and Events