Caton's Island | The Astrolabe | CBC Interview (mp3, 7.5 mb)

The Astrolabe
… a National treasure …
is at the
John Fisher Memorial Museum

Opening Reception August 25th, 2011 2-4 P.M.

What is an astrolabe?
Samuel de Champlain found his way to the new world using a nautical or mariner’s astrolabe, a small devise as exciting in 1604 as a computer is today! This scientific instrument, which dates from 170 B.C., was used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies and to track their movements. From these calculations, latitude and time could also be determined.

In 1604 Champlain named the St. John River in honour of St. John Baptist Day. Following Champlain’s discovery, in 1611, two French traders, Robert Grave and Captain Merveille, set up a trading post on a small island situated about twenty-one miles from the mouth of the river, known today as Catons Island. On this small island the first European settlement was established in New Brunswick, and the first Catholic Mass was celebrated by Father Baird (Jesuit).

To commemorate the 300th anniversary of this first settlement, the New Brunswick Historical Society erected a cairn on Catons Island in 1911.

This year Kingston Peninsula Heritage Inc. is spearheading the 400th Anniversary of the First New Brunswick Settlement and the first Christian Service. With the support of NB Heritage, The Catons Island Camp, NB Historical Society, ARCF (Association Regionale de la Communaute Francophone de Saint Jean), Catholic Diocese of Saint John, and the Wolastoquiyik Community. The general public is cordially invited to join the festivities September 10th 2011 with the New Brunswick Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas; Bishop Robert Harris and Michel Cote ARCF.

CATONS ISLAND
400th ANNIVERSARY

Saturday, September 10, 2011!

8:30 am to 2:00 pm

History | The Celebration | Agenda | Transportation