Archaeology and palaeontology

Overview

An archaeological site is an area where there is evidence of past human activity. In New Brunswick, archaeological sites can include such things as shell middens, fishing stations, large First Nation villages, sugar-bush camps, shipbuilding yards, trading posts, shipwrecks, cemeteries, military forts and a variety of other locations where humans, both long ago and more recently, have left material traces of themselves.

Fossils are the preserved remains of a plant or animal in rock or evidence of their activity, such as footprints.

What to do when you think you have found an archaeological site, an artifact or fossil

Archaeological objects or artifacts, are defined as:

• Any object that is associated with the military history of New Brunswick, regardless of how old it is
• A wrecked ship of aircraft that is at least 50 years old, including associated objects such as cargo
• Any remains of a motor vehicle that are at least 75 years old
• Any other type of object that is at least 100 years old

If you believe you have found an archaeological object or fossils:

• do not dig or disturb the site any further- any alteration can lead to the loss of important historical or scientific information
• take photos and note the location
• report your discovery to the Archaeology and Heritage Branch as soon as possible
• if an item is threatened, a representative from the Archaeology and Heritage Branch may ask you to secure the object to protect it from loss until it can be collected by a trained official
• where possible, the contributions of private individuals to the conservation of our shared heritage are recognized and individuals are kept apprised of next steps involving their finds

The Heritage Conservation Act requires that all archaeological objects and fossils found in New Brunswick since 2010 are reported to the Archaeology and Heritage Branch. This allows for the object to be included in the New Brunswick Archaeological and Palaeontological collections for current and future generations of New Brunswickers.

Digging and metal detecting

When artifacts are improperly removed from the ground, a piece of our unique heritage is permanently lost.  This is why you must possess an archaeological field research permit to conduct an archaeological excavation.

It is legal to use a metal detector in some areas of New Brunswick with landowner permission.  However, the removal of archaeological objects from the ground, including coins and musket balls, is prohibited under the Heritage Conservation Act.  A permit is required to undertake archaeological field research, including the recovery of archaeological objects by metal detecting.  If you have questions about a proposed development project and archaeological requirements, please contact the Archaeology and Heritage Branch.

To help distribute research results and circulate knowledge about New Brunswick’s archaeological heritage, the Archaeological and Heritage Branch makes available reports that were produced through either the ‘Reports in Archaeology’ or the ‘Manuscripts in Archaeology’ series.  

The Reports in Archaeology series was produced by The Council of Maritime Premiers—Maritime Committee on Archaeological Cooperation and contains reports on archaeological topics pertaining to the three Maritime Provinces.  

The Manuscripts in Archaeology series includes preliminary reports and research papers on the archaeology of New Brunswick.  It is designed to facilitate a limited distribution of otherwise unpublished reports from the Archaeology and Heritage Branch.  

Publications are available upon request, please contact the Archaeology and Heritage Branch.

Archaeological Field Research Permit

An Archaeological Field Research Permit is required to undertake any type of archaeological fieldwork in New Brunswick. This permit is issued by the Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture under Section 13(1) of the Conservation Act.

The minimum methodologies, minimum qualification to hold an Archaeological Field Research Permit, and a permit application template are available in the Guidelines and Procedures for Conducting Professional Archaeological Assessments in New Brunswick. Contact [email protected] for copies.

Amateur Archaeological Field Research Permit

Archaeology and Heritage Branch does not currently issue this type of permit.

Palaeontological Field Research Permit

A Palaeontological Field Research Permit is required to undertake any type of palaeontological fieldwork in New Brunswick.  Professional palaeontologists, geologists or those with appropriate academic training and experience who wish to conduct research in New Brunswick may submit an application to the Archaeology and Heritage Branch.

Application for palaeontological field research permit (PDF 31 KB)

Amateur Palaeontological Field Research Permit

Individuals who wish to study fossils, but who are not considered professionals may be eligible for an amateur permit.  To qualify, you must demonstrate a basic understanding of palaeontology and a knowledge of current collection and reporting methods.

This type of permit only allows for the salvaging of fully exposed palaeontological objects. No digging is permitted. 

Application for amateur palaeontologist permit (PDF 29 KB)

Site Alteration Permit

Developments in the vicinity of a known archaeological or palaeontological site require a Site Alteration Permit. These permits provide conditions to ensure that known sites are conserved.

Application for archaeological/palaeontological site alteration permit (PDF 32 KB)

Provincial Heritage Permit

Any development that may alter a character defining element of a provincial heritage site requires a Provincial Heritage Permit. These permits provide conditions to ensure that the heritage value of the site is respected.  

To determine if a property is designated as a provincial heritage site, visit the New Brunswick Register of Historic Places.

Provincial heritage permit - application form (PDF 96 KB)

In New Brunswick, heritages sites may be recognized under the following designations, depending on the level and nature of significance:

Provincial Heritage Place

Sites that are deemed to be significant to the heritage of all of New Brunswick may be designated as a Provincial Heritage Site.

Local Historic Place

Sites located in unincorporated areas (i.e., rural districts) that are deemed to have local heritage value may be designated as a Local Historic Site.

Municipal Heritage Conservation Area

Under the Heritage Conservation Act, municipal governments have the authority to recognize an area or areas of their community as a Municipal Heritage Conservation Area.  They may also develop bylaws to support the conservation of designated areas.

If you have a question about a Municipal Heritage Conservation Area, please contact the appropriate municipal government.