In 2017, Fort Anne celebrates Officers' Quarters was the only Dolan, explained, “The new exhibit historic sites. Parks Canada cares 100 years since it became the remaining barracks. tells the history of what the site for 171 of Canada's nearly 1,000 foundation of Canada's system of was, and what it is today. Through designated sites where visitors can national historic commemoration. In the 1880s, the fort's working with the communities that walk in the footsteps of history and However, its story reaches back blockhouse was torn down without played major roles in the history of savour the essence of Canada. As a more than 3,000 years, weaving prior notice. Parks Canada site the site such as the Mi'kmaq, special bonus, in honour of Canada together a tapestry of history that manager, Lillian Stewart explains, Acadians, and African Nova turning 150, entry is free to all includes the Mi'kmaq, French, “This galvanized the citizens who Scotians, the new exhibit reflects Parks Canada operated national Scots, British and Acadians. Over successfully petitioned the the social, cultural and military historic sites, national parks and the centuries, it has been a camp Government of Canada so that on story of all of the peoples involved national marine conservation areas. site, farmland, seat of government January 24, 1917, through an in shaping the site, the town, and Visitors of all ages are invited to and battlefield, and it remains an Order-in-Council, Fort Anne ultimately the country. Innovative take advantage of this special outstanding example of a Vauban- became the first operated national technology allows visitors to tailor opportunity to celebrate Canada style fortification. historic site in the country. Its their experience and delve deeper and discover, or re-discover, the designation was early in a into the stories that interest them story of Fort Anne from centuries In Southwestern Nova Scotia, in protection and conservation the most.” past to today. the beautiful town of Annapolis movement that now counts almost Royal, looking over the rolling hills 1,000 historic places being In addition to the new exhibit, www.parkscanda.gc.ca/fortanne of Fort Anne towards the peaceful protected across the country.” It is favourite experiences continue like Annapolis Basin on a calm also of note that by 1825, “Fort the Parks Canada Xplorers program morning, you may sense the legacy Anne” became the generally for children and The Historical of this place. Part of the traditional accepted name; however, during Association of Annapolis Royal's homeland of the Mi'kmaq, called the process to designate Fort Anne, candlelight graveyard tour of the Kespukwitk, for thousands of a controversy over its name was the Garrison Graveyard, home to some years, this land continues to hold impetus for the formation of the of the oldest English gravestones in great cultural significance. In Historic Sites and Monuments Canada. recent centuries, this was one of the Board which continues the work most hotly contested pieces of land of recommending heritage 2017 is a special year to celebrate on the entire continent as a designations. not only Fort Anne but all national succession of Scottish, French, and 1928 Unveiling of Samuel Vetch plaque English settlers clashed over this Today, Fort Anne continues to be place, often drawing the Mi'kmaq a community gathering place. into their conflict. The Mi'kmaq Local residents and visitors alike fought to preserve their way of life have a strong connection to the site amid the constant upheavals. enjoying the grounds for exercise and relaxation. Thousands are The fifth fort on the site was inspired to gather together for completed in 1713, and the British special events including Canada governed Nova Scotia from the fort Day and Natal Day celebrations. until Halifax was founded in 1749. It was the site of thirteen attacks, In preparation for 2017 seven changes of hands, and the celebrations, Parks Canada staff ratification of the Treaty of Boston, worked on several projects, such as between the British and the a major restoration on the walls of Mi'kmaq, in 1726 and 1728. The the Officers' Quarters, an 1930's Aerial view of grounds and Annapolis Royal fort continued to play a military innovative new exhibit and a role until 1854. Its buildings revitalized visitor experience. gradually deteriorated until the Parks Canada project manager, Ted