Museums
and
Heritage
Groups
L’Autre
Montréal
3680
rue
Jeanne-Mance.
Bureau 331
H2X
1K5
Telephone:
514-521-7802
Website: www.autremontreal.com/
Cost:
$12-25 per
person for tours open to the general public;
group rates available
Contact:
Catherine
Browne, guide and researcher
Telephone:
514-521-7802, extension 226
Email:
catherinebrowne@autremontreal.com
Description
This
20-year-old
organization offers tours of
L'Autre
Montréal's guide/researchers are passionately committed to
the
project of understanding and explaining the city. With
backgrounds
in
architecture, history, urban planning or the social sciences, they
bring to the
tours their zest, their extensive knowledge and their thoughtful and
thought-provoking interpretation. The tours are conducted on foot
or by yellow
school bus and
are reported to be stimulating,
enriching... and fun.
While
the
organization
offers no particular service for literacy or second-language students,
they are
able to adapt their tours to the audience. This is a potential resource
for
literacy groups interested in getting to know their city better,
although cost
could be a barrier.
Programs
are
offered in
French and in English.
Écomusée
du fier monde
H2L
3L8
Telephone:
514-528-8444
Website:
www.ecomusee.qc.ca
Cost:
Adults: $6; Students, seniors
and children: $4
Contact:
Éric Giroux
Telephone:
514-528-8444
Email:
ecomusee@globetrotter.net
Description
The
Écomusée du fier monde is a museum about
industrial
history, focussing on labour,
industry, and culture. It maintains close links with the local
population as
well as institutions and cultural and community organizations in the
neighbourhood.
The
permanent exhibits present everyday family life, as well as the world
of work
and the social impact brought about by changes. Educational activities
are
created to allow visitors to explore these installations and the
temporary
exhibits. The museum has collaborated with a number of French-language
literacy
groups (Tour de lire, Boîte à lettresto provide
programs
based on their
resources and is very willing to work with
English-language groups with
similar
aims.
Société
ÉCONOMUSÉE® du
Québec
Louis
S.
St-Laurent House
203
East
Grande-Allée
G1R
2H8
Telephone:
418-694-4466
Website:
www.economusees.com
Cost:
Varies
according to individual museum
Contact:
Réjean Tardif, Deputy Managing Director
Telephone:
418-694-4466
Email:
info@economusees.com
Description
This
is a
network of 50 museums/active
studios or workshops of artisans found throughout
As
a
province-wide network,
it could be a particularly valuable resource to English-language
literacy
groups outside the
Tours are offered in French and, in some centres, in English.
110 rue Saint-Pierre
Saint-Constant (Québec)
Canada J5A 1G7
Telephone:
450-632-2410
Website:
Cost:
Contact:
Nadine Cloutier, Coordinator of Customer Services and Education
Telephone:
450-638-1522 x 223
Email:
nadine.cloutier@exporail.org
Description
The
development of the railway is at the heart of
Various
themes have been developed for presentation for school students and
could be
adapted for adult literacy groups.
Programs
are offered in French and in English.
Fur Trade
at
H8S
2M2
Telephone:
514-637-7433
Website:
www.pc.gc.ca/fu
Cost
of entry:
Modest
entrance fees are applied. Check for rates.
Contact:
Daniel
Benjamin, Visitor Services Agent
Telephone:
514-283-6054
Email:
daniel.benjamin@pc.gc.ca
Description
Small,
single-themed,
with many items to touch and manipulate, the Fur Trade National
Historic Site easily
attracts those daunted by too much written information. Given that many
of our
city’s institutions and streets are named after the fur
barons
whose lives are
depicted in the museum, it has relevance to both long-time Montrealers
and
newcomers alike.
Part
of the
Parcs Canada
museums network, this museum has an educational mandate. The current
director,
who is interested in attracting more adult students, has developed a
program for
this group entitled To the Edge of a New
World.
Following
a tour and presentation about the site, students are invited to see
themselves
as voyageurs and to describe in writing their personal travel
experiences,
perhaps as newcomers to
An
in-class
version of the
program may be offered to groups who cannot make the trip to
This
museum
is a
favourite with literacy and second-language students.
Programs
are
offered in
English and French.
Hudson Bay
Company Gallery
The
Bay
H3B
3Y5
Telephone:
514-281-4422
Website:
www.hbc.com/hbcheritage/galleries/montreal/nowshowing
Cost
of entry:
Free
Contact:
Catherine
Durand, Special Events Manager
Telephone:
514-281-4614
Email:
catherine.durand@hbc.com
Description
This
museum
is a little-known,
inner-city gem. Opened in 2004, it depicts in a most accessible way the
history
of the fur trade and of Morgan’s,
Hands-on
interaction is
encouraged here: you can touch things and experience what it was like
to carry
a bale of furs or to shop for dressmaking materials. The museum opened
with a
mandate to educate and there seemed to be some scope to develop
projects for
adult students. At present there is no curator or educational
programming. Access
is free at any time during store opening hours.
La Maison
St-Gabriel
2146
Place
H3K
2A2
Telephone:
514-935-8136
Website:
www.maisonsaint-gabriel.qc.ca
Cost:
Can be
adjusted to the means of the group
Contact:
Johanne
Picard, Coordinator of Educational Services
Telephone:
514-935-8136
Email:
visites@globetrotter.qc.ca
Description
Maison
Saint-Gabriel
offers a unique itinerary, bringing history alive for visitors and
enabling
them to discover their roots and take pride in the heritage left by the
first
settlers in
This
museum
has a long
tradition of education and a well-developed program for school
students. The
education department has a keen interest in developing programs for
adult
learners in a literacy partnership.
Educational
services are
offered in French and in English.
H2Y
1H4
Telephone:
514-282-8670
Website:
www.marguerite-bourgeoys.com
Cost:
$8 for
adults ($6.00 with group rate); $5for students
Contact:
Valerie
Lafleur, Coordinator, Communications and
Development
Telephone:
514-282-8670 x 223
Email:
vlafleur@marguerite-bourgeoys.com
Description
Marguerite
Bourgeoys was
One
activity
allows
visitors to discover the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys and her work in
education, as well as its relevance to the present day, through a
number of
rooms of the museum. Another reveals the historical and archaeological
richness
of the place where Marguerite Bourgeoys chose to build her chapel.
Programs
are
offered in
English and in French
H3A
1E9
Telephone:
514-398-7100
Website:
www.musee-mccord.qc.ca
Cost
of entry:
$13.00 for
adults; $7.00 for students; group rates
available
Contact:
Marie-Claude Larouche, Head of Programs and Visitor
Services
Telephone:
514-398-7100 x 250
Email:
marie-claude.larouche@mccord.mcgill.ca
Description
Dedicated
to
the
preservation, diffusion and appreciation of Canadian history, the
McCord Museums
aims to help individuals connect with generations, cultures and
communities.
Its mission to inspire visitors to become informed and open-minded
citizens is reflected
in a rich program of activities and resources for all ages and
backgrounds.
Of
particular note is the
museum’s “five keys to history” approach,
which
introduces students to history
and the language of objects in a fun and informative manner. The
Language
Improvement Program consists of activities developed variously for
adult
literacy learners, new arrivals and second language students. Also of
possible
interest are nine activities offered for college student and adult
learners,
exploring themes such aboriginal traditions, the Irish in
On
the
museum website,
the excellent educational resources portal, EduWeb, suggests five types
of
unique Web activities (lesson plans), to be done on-line, to make the
most of
these resources in class, in several disciplines. They make use of
images, and
they develop research abilities and competency in using information and
communication technologies.
All
resources and activities
are offered in English and French.
H3W
1M6
Telephone:
514-345-2605
Website:
www.mhmc.ca
Cost:
$8/adult;
$5/student; $5/senior
Contact:
Julie
Guinard, Front Desk/Reservation Agent
Telephone:
514-345-2605
Email:
julie.guinard@mhmc.ca
Description
The aim
at
the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre (MHMC) is to educate people of
all ages
and backgrounds about the Holocaust while sensitizing the public to the
universal perils of Antisemitism, racism, hate and indifference through
its
museum, commemorative programs and educational initiatives. The MHMC is
committed to promoting respect for diversity and the sanctity of all
human
life. The permanent museum exhibition, “To learn, to feel, to
remember” enables
visitors to find out about life before, during and after the Holocaust
through
archives and video testimonies of survivors.
Guided
tours: Tours are adapted to the particulars of the group. Because of
the
sensitivity shown to each visiting group – the centre
receives
hearing-impaired
people, disabled children, etc. – this museum is potentially
a
valuable
resource to literacy groups. (10-15 people per group.)
Survivor
testimonies: Speakers recount
their experience as Holocaust survivors. The testimony gives
visitors the opportunity to ask questions. (10-60 people per group)
Activities
have to be booked in advance by calling the museum at: (514) 345-2605.
In order
to better accommodate your group, they ask you to make your reservation
at
least one month in advance.
H3G
1J5
Telephone:
514-285-2000
Website:
www.mmfa.qc.ca
Cost:
$15.00 for
adults; $7.50 for students; group rates
available
Contact:
Marilyn
Lajeunesse, Educational Programs Officer - adults
Telephone:
514-285-1600 x 231
Email:
mlajeunesse@mbamtl.org
Description
In
October
2004 the
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts launched Sharing the Museum, a
collaborative
educational programme for non-profit community organizations. Any
community
organization that works with cultural communities, senior citizens,
youth at
risk, people from poorer neighbourhoods, disadvantaged families or
those with
physical and intellectual disabilities is invited to participate in the
program.
Through it they seek to strengthen partnerships with organizations
already
familiar with their commitment to the community, and to create new
partnerships. That commitment is strengthened through meaningful museum
programs
proposed by community groups. The intention with Sharing the Museum is
to
incorporate the objectives of such organizations into the
Museum’s mandate to
make their collections and exhibitions accessible to the public.
Through a rich
program of educational activities designed to provide enjoyable
learning
opportunities for individuals, they wish to make the Museum a place for
dialogue and informal classes on artworks as well as for amateur art
practice.
The
Education and Public Programs
Department welcomes any ideas for activities, educational materials or
events
proposed by community organizations. They consult with groups so as to
respond
to specific needs, and then work to develop museum activities that will
suit
clients’ interests and learning styles.
In
addition
to developing
exciting projects suited to special needs, the Education and Public
Programs
Department continues to offer free activities to all community
organizations.
The wide range of activities available includes guided tours, discovery
tours,
explorations and workshops based on their collections and exhibitions.
This
could therefore be a valuable resource for literacy organizations.
Programs
are
offered in
English and in French
Musée de la civilisation
85
rue
Dalhousie
Québec City, QC
G1K
7A6
Telephone:
418-643-2158
Website:
www.mcq.org
Cost:
Adults:
$11; seniors: $10; students: $8.00. Literacy
students: free.
Contact:
Paule
Mignault, Education Services
Telephone:
418-528-1952
Email:
mignault@mcq.org
Description
The
Musée de la
civilisation complex in
Alongside
the exhibitions
are cultural and educational activities that allow visitors to gain
deeper
insight into the various themes through fun activities, educational
programs,
talks, movies, shows, and workshops.
The
Museum
is always on
the lookout for new ways to promote and present its cultural products.
The
design and launch of its website—already a winner of a number
of
awards—is just
one example of its desire to reach out to visitors. This year, the
website has
a brand new look: it is more dynamic, easier to use, and features more
headings. Online visitors can consult the program of exhibitions and
activities
presented throughout the museum complex. Some content and activities
(virtual
exhibitions, features, and games) can be accessed only online.
The
Musée de la
civilisation has a long tradition of working with adults and educators
from
literacy centres in the region. These include: Centre
Mot-à-Mot (Saint-Ambroise), Centre Alpha (La Baie and Bas
Saguenay), CEA du
Saint-Maurice (Shawinigan), Centre d’éducation
populaire
de l’Estrie (Sherbrooke)
and, in Quebec City, Lis-moi tout Limoilou, Maison des adultes, Centre
Nouvel-Horizon, La marée des mots, Centre du
Phoénix.
The
entry
fee is waived
for these groups although there is a small cost if the group needs a
guide.
Leaders of organized group visits should discuss their needs when the
make
their reservations.
Programs
are
offered in
French and in English.
Musée des maîtres
et artisans du
Québec
H4L
3X6
Telephone:
514-747-7367
Website:
www.mmaq.qc.ca
Cost:
Adults:
$5, seniors: $4; students $3
Contact:
Martin
Lominy, Supervisor of Educational Services
Telephone:
514-747-7367 x 7203
Email:
education@mmaq.qc.ca
Description
This
Museum
focuses on
everyday objects from the past, and visitors get hands-on experience
making
things such as lanterns, wooden mosaics, pottery, etc. See the website
for more
detail.
The
museum
currently works
with adults in local ESL or FSL programs. The supervisor of educational
services
first meets the teacher to identify the interests and aptitudes of the
group
and then develops the program. They are always looking for new adult
students
and are interested in working with literacy groups.
Programs are offered in French and in English.
Musée du costume et du
textile du Québec
349
rue Riverside
Saint-Lambert, QC
J4P 1A8
Telephone:
450-923-6601
Website:
www.mctq.org
Cost:
Adults: $4; seniors/students:
$3
Contact:
Catherine Laflamme, Coordinator of Educational Program
Telephone:
450-923-6600
Email:
catherine.klaflamme@mctq.org
Description
A
small but
dynamic institution, the Musée du costume et du textile du
Québec looks at
textiles as a means of artistic expression and a reflection of society
and
cultures. Numbering some 4000 objects, the collection is composed
mainly of
women's, men's and children's garments and accessories from the
nineteenth and
twentieth centuries; it also includes ethnic dress.
The
Museum's
exhibitions introduce visitors to contemporary and traditional
treasures from
around the world, and examine how fashion has evolved over the
centuries. The program
of cultural and educational activities includes lectures, trips, and
group
visits. Visits are offered regularly through local adult education
groups such
as IOTA, le Fablier, la Boite à letters and the Centre
Antoine-Brossard.
Programs
are
offered in French and in English.
H3A
2K6
Telephone:
514-398-4086
Website:
www.mcgill.ca/redpath
Cost:
Free for
visit, $2 if guided
Contact:
Ingrid
Birker, Science Outreach Coordinator
Telephone:
514-398-4086
x 4092
Email:
ingrid.birker@mcgill.ca
Description
This
museum
specializes
in natural history and ethnology. Its small size and limited number of
objects
make it very accessible, whether through its delightful shell
collection or impressive
Egyptian mummy, gorilla and dinosaur and whale skeletons. A tour can be
arranged with a volunteer student guide.
Its
programs
are aimed
largely at the elementary school population. While the museum has no
programs
adapted to the adult learner, it is open to the public six days a week,
and its
size and contents make it a potential attraction for adult literacy
groups. The
Atelier des lettres makes excursions to this museum which their
students have
enjoyed.
Programs
are
offered in
English and in French.
Also
run by
the Redpath outreach
coordinator, and of possible interest to literacy educators, is the Hot Science Cool Talks
program. Prepared
and
presented by McGill scientists, these Science Outreach talks could be
engaging
for adult basic learners. The speakers’ fees are covered by a
special fund,
which makes this an affordable option for groups with limited
resources. Talks
reflect a wide range of topics and are given in English unless noted
otherwise.
Sir-George
Etienne Cartier National Historic Site of
H2Y
1C8
Telephone:
514-283-2282
Website:
www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/etiennecartier/index_e.asp
Cost:
$3.90 for
adults; $3.40 for seniors; $1.90 for youth.
(Special activities $5.85-$7.80)
Contact:
David
Ledoyen, Assistant, Visitor Services
Telephone:
514-283-2282
Email:
david.ledoyen@pc.gc.ca
Description
Sir
George-Étienne
Cartier (1814-1873) was a major contributor to the economic, social and
political changes that transformed Canadian society during the 19th
century.
Visitors to his home follow him on his life’s journey and
make a
foray into a
society in the midst of unprecedented change. A stage set for the past,
this
historic house serves as the backdrop for the relations between masters
and
servants.
Popular
with
students of
English or French as a second language, the historic site’s
program is easily
adapted to the needs of other groups.
See
also
National
Historic Sites of
Website:
www.pc.gc.ca
In
addition
to two of