This publication deals with the most significant items in the archaeological collection from Place-Royale, Québec City. This collection, which is the property of the ministère de la Culture et des Communications, includes some 14,000 restored and documented objects and was recently classified as cultural property by the Québec government because of its importance and uniqueness. Since many of these objects are complete or almost complete, the collection serves as a reference for many sites in North America and even in the two countries so intimately linked to our history, France and England.

The pieces presented here were selected first and foremost for the historical information that they offer in terms of the themes adopted and, secondly, for their beauty and rarity. One might say that this work is a photographic summary of the numerous Place-Royale research reports published in the Dossiers Series produced by the ministère de la Culture et des Communications.

Each object is accompanied by a description that places it in its context and suggests a new perspective of the collection that is within everyone’s reach. Representing all periods from Amerindian occupation right through to the end of the 19th century, these pieces are made of different materials (ceramics, glass, metal, etc.), come from different countries (France, England, Holland, United States, etc.) and were used for all sorts of different purposes.

The public does not normally get the chance to see the objects, except on those rare occasions when one or two of them are included in exhibitions. Treasures and Secrets of Place-Royale makes up for this by offering readers the opportunity to enjoy, within the comfort of their own home, this colourful "exhibit" devoted to the finest pieces in the Place-Royale archaeological collection.

Treasures and Secrets of Place-Royale may be obtained through the Publications du Québec site.

Louise Décarie
Ethnologist