In the early days of New France, English and French ships went up and down the St. Lawrence, competing for land and for control of the valuable fur trade.

Now, kids can learn what it’s like to be a privateer in the first exhibit at the Pointe-à-Callière museum created just for kids 12 and under.

It’s called Pirates or Privateers? The reason being is that these two groups of men were often mistaken for one another and faced similar challenges. However, one worked legitimately while the other didn’t. Privateers were sailors on armed civilian ships that, in times of war, were authorized to attack any ship flying the flag of enemy states. Pirates, on the other hand, were seafaring adventurers who sailed the waters attacking trade ships and stealing their booty, and who sometimes even attacked small seaside towns. Pirates are considered to be bandits of the seas.

Children climb aboard a fictional ship to serve New France and face the English enemy in the Franco-British war. The activity is designed to simulate the challenges associated with becoming a privateer, and shows kids the skills that were needed to fire cannons and manage ships.

The exhibit, designed for children ages 6 to 12, also teaches kids about the daily life of a sailor in the days of Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville.

There is a new lunch room is available for families and admission is $20 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for kids 5 and younger.

For more information, visit pacmusee.qc.ca.