"Full Circle: First Contact
Vikings and Skraelings in Newfoundland and Labrador."
An International exhibit of the Newfoundland Museum
Imagine an Atlantic Ocean uncrossed. Imagine continents filled with
people who know nothing about each other.
The Viking voyages across the North Atlantic changed all that. And their
settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland brought humanity ‘full
circle' around the globe.
The exhibit will focus on the contact between Vikings and Skraelings (or
Aboriginal people) in Newfoundland and Labrador one thousand years ago.
The exhibit will profile L'Anse aux Meadows as the only known Viking
settlement in the New World, a site which is today recognized as both a
Canadian National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed
by Parks Canada.
For more information, see the exhibit's press release at
http://www.delweb.com/nfmuseum/viking1.htm
The archeology and history of L'Anse aux Meadows will be prominently
featured, along with stunning Viking artifacts made of gold, ivory,
iron, and wood from Nordic museums. Intricately made Aboriginal
artifacts made of bone, stone, ivory, and wood found in the collections
of the Newfoundland Museum will reflect Skraeling cultures. Other
Canadian museums will be providing both Norse and Aboriginal artifacts.
A live interpretation team, Viking Saga replicas and Aboriginal oral
histories using the latest multi-media technology, will create an
exciting and dynamic exhibit atmosphere.
This exhibit will open in St. John's, Newfoundland in June of 2000.
Currently a touring schedule is being developed which will be posted on
the museum web site when finalized.
Archaeologist Dr. Birgitta Wallace, a specialist in Viking archaeology
at L'Anse aux Meadows and Archaeologist Emeritus, Parks Canada;
Archeologist Dr. Priscilla Renouf, a specialist in Newfoundland
prehistoric Native archeology; and Dr. Gwynne Dyer, a jourmalist,
broadcaster, and World Historian, are all contributing their scholarship
to the exhibit development.
"Full Circle" enjoys the patronage of UNESCO and has obtained support
from the following organizations: The Millennium Bureau of Canada; The
Department of Tourism, Culture, and Recreation (Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador); The Department of Canadian Heritage; Parks
Canada; The Nordic Council of Ministers; The Canadian Museum of
Civilization, The Youth Employment Strategy, and the Friends of the
Newfoundland Museum.
For further information contact:
Kevin McAleese, Chair of the Curatorial Team
or Valeri Pilgrim
Curatorial Research Assistant
Viking Millennium Exhibit
1 Crosbie Road
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1C 5R4
(709) 729-4408/ 4432 (phone)
(709) 579-2067 (fax)
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