Archeologists looking for volunteers to help on Beaubassin dig

Archeologists say a dig near the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border is already producing important artifacts from Acadian history.

Parks Canada is funding the exacavation of parts of the former village Beaubassin, and they're looking for volunteers to helpout.

There are no maps of the 18th century to go on just guesses. Last week, crews got lucky on the first try. They found what they believe to be a foundation of one of the village buildings, along with several pieces of ceramic and glass.

The crew is in the middle of 59 hectares of pasture, slowly lifting layers of sod.

Archeologist Charles Burke says they're just beginning to uncover a story that needs to be told.

"This is a very significant place in 18th-century history in reference to the struggle between France and Britain for control of the North American continent," Burke said. "Much of what happened elsewhere, happened here first."

The site was discovered in 2000, when a Royal Canadian Air Force aerial infrared photo, taken in the 1950s, showed the charred remains of the settlement.

Burke says the excavation could take years, and that's why volunteers are being sought.

Volunteer Matt LeBlanc says he wouldn't miss the opportunity.

"Since this is a site close to home which has ties to the history of my ancestors, I thought I'd come and help out for a while as much as I can," he said.

For the next three weekends, Burke is inviting the public to come and join the dig.