Le Village Historique Acadien Added to Museum

In recognition of the Acadian Celebrations 2003-2005, Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Ecosse in West Pubnico will become the newest addition to the Nova Scotia Museum system.

"Bringing Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Ecosse into the provincial museum system is a major show of support for the Congres Mondial Acadien scheduled for the summer of 2004," said Neil LeBlanc, Minister of Acadian Affairs.

"At that time we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of French settlement in North America. It's also a timely announcement for this year's 350th anniversary of the Village of Pubnico," said Mr. LeBlanc who made the announcement of behalf of Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture.

The Acadian Village is in the development stage and will be an important heritage attraction during the Acadian World Congress in 2004.

Since its official opening in 1999, the museum has developed a visitors' centre and a number of relocated 19th-century buildings such as homes, a blacksmith's shop and a fish store. The village will receive $125,000 in provincial funding for its 2003 operating year.

The Nova Scotia Museum is the corporate name for the most decentralized museum in Canada -- 25 museums across the province, including historic buildings, living history sites, vessels and specialized museums. These resources are managed either directly or through a unique system of co-operative agreements with societies and local boards.

"The Nova Scotia government will provide support to the Acadian Celebrations and today's announcement is another example of that support," said Mr. LeBlanc.

The Department of Tourism and Culture is supporting the Acadian Celebrations 2003-2005 in a number of ways. It participates on the Acadie 2003-05 Committee, and the Joint Committee on Acadian Tourism under the Tourism Partnership Council. The department has an Acadian Liaison Officer to strengthen the tourism link with Acadian communities. The 2003 edition of the Doers' and Dreamers' Vacation Guide has 10 feature articles under the theme "The Tapestry of Acadie." Other initiatives are being developed for the coming months.