Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada

Activities

Exhibitions

Enter the house and discover who is George-Étienne Cartier. Through the exhibitions, learn also how the bourgeois of Montreal lived in the 19th century.

Re-opening of Cartier's House: A Lady, Two Travelling Misses and a Home

Lady's © Parks Canada/ Lady's Book and Magazine

Our exhibition, opening on April 5, 2006, will tell the stories of Hortense and Joséphine Cartier, in the very rooms in the family home where they lived.

Sir George’s daughters confided their secrets to their diaries. Today, these accounts offer visitors a glimpse into their real-life experiences as young upper-middle class women in Montreal, the country’s metropolis, as well as their many travels, from Saratoga to Quebec City and Cacouna.

G.E. Cartier's and his daughters. © William Notman / Mccord Museum, I-15392.1

The Cartier family travelling trunk, photos, a writing desk, stamps, sewing accessories and other items all plunge visitors into the two young ladies’ day-to-day lives.

Sir George-Étienne Cartier © Musée McCord / William Notman / Archives photographiques Notman I-67119

About the Man...

Come discover that major historical figure, George-Étienne Cartier. A lawyer, businessman, politician, Prime Minister of the Union of the Canadas, one of the Fathers of Confederation, Cartier actively contributed to solving some of the fundamental problems confronting his country during the 19th century. A progressive, Cartier steadfastly pursued the reform of Canada's institutions and laws. His great dream of making Montreal into a major crossroads of North American commerce and trade helped accelerate industrialization and spurred development of Canada's rail system. His career and achievements will immerse you in a period of change and progress.. Afterwards, to find out more about the career of George-Étienne Cartier, watch a video, then put your knowledge to the test by playing an on-site computer game.

Feel the Enchantment of Victorian Opulence

An exhibit room © Parks Canada / Jacques Beardsell

Steep yourself in the plush atmosphere of a Victorian home, where refinement and opulence rivaled with the quest for domestic comfort, and where eating and drinking were raised to a fine art. Gauge for yourself the logistics involved in preparing and hosting a high-society reception during this period. As you stroll from room to room, you will be captivated by a pretty display of wallpaper, a gold leaf moulding, or an elaborately sculpted pianoforte. Then you will understand what the gracious living meant to a family from the Montreal bourgeoisie during the Victorian era. Hear the chugging of a steam engine, the pealing of church bells, the whistling of wind and the whispering of servants-all part of your experience of the Cartiers' everyday surroundings.

The sitting room at the Cartier house © Parks Canada / Normand Rajotte

A Victorian Christmas

Around Christmas time, come feel the magic atmosphere of holidays in the Victorian décor of Mr. Cartier's house. Come to see the 19th century Christmas decorations and gifts. Find out about the origin of Santa Claus and learn about the Christmas dinner preparation.

• Educational Activities
• Theatre performances for groups
• Theatre Performances for Regular Visitors
• 2006 Calendar of Activities