On August 28, 2001, the Montreal-North History and Genealogy Society (SHGMN) held its first assembly. Since then, the dynamic organization has helped to raise awareness of the history of the district, where one can find some of the oldest farmhouses in the city.
The office of the Society, on the second floor of the Yves-Ryan library, conceals many treasures, starting with the first editions of the Guide of Montreal-North, published in 1957.
The president, Jean-Paul Guiard, is the one who proposed the creation of a history and genealogy office at the Montreal-North City Council in the early 2000s. He was then part of the ephemeral committee at the origin of the delivered Montreal-North: from yesterday to today, a brick of nearly 400 pages.
“Many questions refer to history. You have to know where you come from to know where you are going, ”launches the genealogist, still as passionate as ever.
A story to tell
Mr. Guiard is categorical: twenty years after the creation of the organization, the history of Montreal-North is much better known than before.
It must be said that the SHGMN takes part in most neighborhood festivals, organizes conferences, heritage tours, exhibitions and meetings in schools, in addition to publishing a newsletter four times a year.
“We must continue to talk about old things, even if they no longer exist. It’s important to tell people why it’s built like this. There are always questions, that’s what makes history. ”
Jean-Paul Guiard, President of SHGMN
She helped to showcase the houses on Boulevard Gouin, witnesses of Montreal-North’s rural past, at 18e century and 19e century. Most owners have become members over time. “They are concerned about preserving heritage,” notes Mr. Guiard.
But the Society also talks about what no longer exists: the chalets on the banks of the Rivière des Prairies where city dwellers from the center came to rest at 19e century, as well as the shows held at the Habitat Saint-Camille in the 1970s, for which even the famous Charles Aznavour stepped on the stage.
“It was the small Place des Arts du Nord, all the big stars of the Place des Arts came here,” says Mr. Guiard, his eyes shining.
The story, man has not finished discovering and telling it. “History is built. I wish the History and Genealogy Society a long life, ”he said.
A 20e birthday in the park
A party will be held at Eusèbe-Ménard Park on August 28 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Montreal-North Historical and Genealogy Society.
A musician will be present, as will Stéphane Tessier, historical animator and member of the Society from his beginnings. The Filles du Roy will also stroll through the crowd and give a musical performance. They will be accompanied by three costumed men interpreting trades from the beginning of the colony, underlines Jean-Paul Guiard.
The Montreal North History and Genealogy Society held its first meeting on August 28, 2001.
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