18th century painted earthenware inkpot and quill fashioned from a goose feather. Illustration:
Hôtel-Dieu museum in Montréal, photo by Jacques Jaillet.
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- Culture and traditions
This line of research seeks to shed light on an
essential aspect in the evolution of the French in Canada and their descendants. It
emphasizes the emergence of creativity: goldsmiths, sculptors, musicians, painters and the
contribution of skilled artisans. It describes religious influence on the daily life of
the individual and on society in New France. Intellectual life develops themes as varied
as those of education, temperament and the language spoken by Quebecers, Acadians and the
people of Louisiana.
- Everyday life
Several elements of everyday life during the 17th and
18th century are presented in a context which enables all the boldness of the New France
project to be understood. The urgent need to conquer the land, people the space and tame
the climate influences every aspect of everyday life. Food, lodging, leisure, means of
transport, clothing, religious practices, social relations: all show the desire of the
French immigrant to adapt to the new context. Navigating through these important themes
enables visitors to establish a link between themselves and the pioneers of a new world.
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