Oak Island, Nova Scotia: Reinterpreting the "Zena Halpern Map" (c. 1695) and the Functional Infrastructure of a French Naval Support Site By Jerald Lee Harrah

Abstract Oak Island has long been enveloped in treasure-oriented myths, driven by misinterpretation of maps, mistranslation, and speculative storytelling. One frequently cited artifact is the so-called “Zena Halpern map,” labeled with features such as la trappe (“the hatch” or trapdoor), le trou sous la trappe (“the hole under the hatch”), anchors, valves, and dams. While historically framed as a treasure map or mysterious Templar diagram, this paper presents a functional reinterpretation. Linguistic analysis, geographic context, and occupational requirements indicate the map documents a 17th-century French naval support site, including work yards, barracks, water management, and sanitation. Notably, the “hatch” is most plausibly a latrine cover over a septic pit, addressing human needs previously overlooked in treasure-centered analysis. This reinterpretation resolves longstanding inconsistencies and situates Oak Island within its practical historical reality.