MONTRÉAL (QUEBEC), April 30, 2008--On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, Mr. Daniel Petit, Member of Parliament for Charlesbourg–Haute-Saint-Charles, along with the Director of Maison Saint-Gabriel, Madeleine Juneau, unveiled today a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic importance of Maison Saint-Gabriel.
"Faithful witness to the works of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Maison Saint-Gabriel continues to attract visitors with its remarkable architecture. Our government is proud to highlight the national historic importance of Maison Saint-Gabriel, which, like its owner, played an important role in the development of our country," said Mr. Petit.
At the heart of one of the oldest surviving farms in the country, this house is an exceptional example of French-inspired rural architecture, distinguished by its rubblework, its sloping roof and its wooden frame. Acquired in 1668 by Marguerite Bourgeoys, it was rebuilt in 1698 after a fire in 1693.
For nearly three centuries, Maison Saint-Gabriel was home to the sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame de Montréal, who operated a farm to supply the community. This remarkable building remains an enduring witness to the works of Marguerite Bourgeoys, a pioneer of education in Canada.
Initially home to the Filles du Roy, from 1668 to 1673, then operating as a small school, and later a farmhouse, Maison Saint-Gabriel was turned into a museum in 1966, after three centuries of history.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment with regard to the national importance of sites, people and events that have marked the history of Canada. The erecting of a commemorative plaque represents official recognition of their value to the country.
Information:
Odette Lachance
Communications Advisor
Parks Canada – Québec
418 648-4167
