Press Room


Press Releases 2024

The Seigneurial System in Old Montreal: Summer program Launch

Montréal, June 17, 2024 – This summer, the Château Ramezay – Historic Site and Museum of Montréal, salutes the seigneurial system with an exhibition marking the 400th anniversary of its implementation. Discover how this system affected the history and heritage of Quebec with three temporary exhibitions: In the Footsteps of the Seigneurial System, accessible free of charge outside the Château Gardens; Seigneurs of Montreal: The Sepulcian Priests; and Traces and Memories of the Sepulcian Priests in Quebec. The Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the Footsteps of the Seigneurial System

The seigneurial system was a method of land distribution and occupation put in place to encourage settlement and to structure the colony. Although it was abolished in 1854, the province still bears its traces. Learn more from our outdoor exhibition, In the Footsteps of the Seigneurial System, a collection of aerial photographs by renowned historian and photographer, Pierre Lahoud, winner of the Prix Gérard-Morisset 2023. This exhibition is accessible free of charge outside the Governor’s Garden, on Le Royer and St. Claude Streets. It runs until November 3, 2024, in collaboration with the Manoir Mauvide-Génest of St-Jean-de l’Île d’Orléans.
 
Seigneurs of Montréal: The Sulpician Priests

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Sulpicians and find out how they influenced the development of Montréal over the centuries.

Seigneurs of Montréal: the Sulpician Priests presents archival documents and historic artifacts from the The Priests of Saint-Sulpice of Montréal Collection, a collection rarely seen by the public, to highlight the Sulpicians’ key role and their impact on Montréal’s history. The exhibition provides an enriching exploration of the lives of the Seigneurs of Montréal, from their arrival in the 17th century to their enduring influence on modern Montréal. This exhibition runs until September 8, 2024.
 
St Lawrence River at Saint Louis de Lotbinière (2014) © Pierre Lahoud
The Old Seminary (First half of the 20th century) Edgar Contant © The Priests of Saint-Sulpice of Montréal Collection
Traces and Memories of the Seigneurial System in Quebec

Discover the history of the seigneurial system in Quebec, thanks to a fascinating exhibition on a regime first established in New France in 1624 which continued until its official abolishment in 1854. The seigneurial system continues to influence present-day Quebec despite the fact it ceased to exist over 150 years ago. This exhibition focuses on extracts from testimonials collected by Prof. Benoit Grenier, well-known historian of this period, and related documents and artifacts.
Traces and Memories of the Seigneurial System in Quebec was produced by the Musée de la memoire vivante of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec. This exhibition runs until September 8, 2024.

Guided Tours

The Château’s volunteer guides provide tours every day from July 1 until September 30. These tours are included in the Museum entrance fee. Follow our guides to learn more about the history of Montréal as well as the Château itself. French tours take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. English tours are at noon and at 2 p.m.
 
Anciennes troupes militaires de Montréal

In Claude de Ramezay’s time, Montreal was a military town. To help you get a feel for the period, the Anciennes troupes militaires de Montréal recreate the Compagnies franches de la Marine and the 78th Fraser Highlanders every summer. They’ll be on duty Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10 am to 4:45 p.m. with different parades and programs.
See them at the Château Ramezay and snap some photos while you’re at it!

Friends of the Governor’s Garden

Meet the Friends of the Governor’s Garden from noon to 4 p.m every summer afternoon until Labour Day. They’ll be happy to introduce you to our typical 18th-century Garden. Would you recognize the medicinal herbs growing there? What about the pear trees? And the artichoke plants? They’ll answer your questions and even share a few garden-related historical anecdotes, if you’ve got a moment! There are games and challenges for young and old!
© Château Ramezay - Historic Site and Museum of Montréal, photo: Daniel Boismenu

Seigneurs of Montréal: The Sulpicians Priests and Traces and Memories of the Seigneurial System in Quebec

Montreal, March 19th, 2024 - This spring, the Château Ramezay - Historic Site and Museum of Montréal is pleased to present two new temporary exhibitions. Starting March 22nd, 2024, explore Quebec's seigneurial past with Seigneurs of Montréal: the Sulpician Priests and Traces and Memories of the Seigneurial System in Quebec. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Seigneurs of Montréal: The Sulpician Priests

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Sulpicians and find out how they influenced the development of Montréal over the centuries.

Seigneurs of Montréal: the Sulpicians Priests presents archival documents and historic artifacts from the The Priests of Saint-Sulpice of Montréal Collection, a collection rarely seen by the public, to highlight the Sulpicians' key role and their impact on Montréal's history. The exhibition provides an enriching exploration of the lives of the Seigneurs of Montréal, from their arrival in the 17th century to their enduring influence on modern Montréal.

The Old Seminary (Edgard Contant, first half of the 20th century) © The Priests of Saint-Sulpice of Montréal Collection

Traces and Memories of the Seigneurial System in Quebec

Discover the history of the seigneurial system in Québec, thanks to a fascinating exhibition on a regime first established in New France in 1620 which continued until its official abolishment in 1854. The seigneurial system continues to influence present-day Quebec despite the fact it ceased to exist over 150 yeards ago. This exhibition focuses on extracts from testimonials collected by Prof. Benoît Grenier, well-known historian of this period, and related documents and artifacts.

Traces and Memories of the Seigneurial System in Quebec was produced by the Musée de la Mémoire Vivante, in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Québec.

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HELP WANTED: ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS!

Feel like getting involved? The Château Ramezay - Montréal Museum and Historic Site is recruiting new volunteers who'd like to get involved with Montréal's historic past.

Those interested are invited to the Château Ramezay on Monday, April 22nd, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our volunteers will be on hand to welcome you, introduce you to the Château and its activities and answer questions regarding expected commitment, training, costumes, etc. It will also be a chance to sign up for the next training session, which starts im May.

 

Ideal profile

No need to be a historian or even bilingual, as long as you’re comfortable with others, love learning and sharing your knowledge with a diverse clientele, a few hours per week.

Become a Volunteer Guide

If you’re interested in the history of Quebec and/or of Montreal, you’d be an ideal candidate! Complete training is available. Teamed with an experienced guide, you’ll learn the ropes of our programs and master the pleasures of guiding, at your own pace.

Become a Friend of the Garden

If you are interested in gardening and enjoy being outside and meeting people from all over, become a Friend of the Garden. From July 1st until Labour Day, our volunteers welcome visitors from all over the world with activites that help them learn more about the history of the Garden, the Château and Montréal in the 18th century.

 

A Risky Business?

In becoming a volunteer, you risk making new friends! In addition to the Friends of the Garden, volunteer guides are grouped into two associations: the French-speaking guides and the English-speaking guides. Together, they total almost 100 members. Each group organizes ongoing training, activities and outings during the year. Some volunteers have been with the Château for 25 years or more.

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Homage: Inspired by outstanding Canadian women

Montréal, September 25th, 2024 – The Château Ramezay – Historic Site and Museum of Montréal is pleased to present a new temporary exhibition this fall. Come discover the history and legacy of Canadian women, past and present, by visiting Homage: Inspired by outstanding Canadian women, presented from September 28, 2024 to February 9, 2025. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The exhibition Homage: Inspired by outstanding Canadian women is a national travelling collection of 41 necklaces presented for the first time in Quebec. Designed to celebrate and honour Canadian women from all eras and regions of the country, these necklaces represent a wide variety of professions and contributions to our society.

Necklaces evoke style, status and wealth; they are archetypal symbols of power and importance. For the artist, these jewels are therefore the ideal vehicles to represent the important women in Canadian history.

Created by renowned jewelry artist Donald Stuart, CM, OOnt, RCA, the necklaces are accompanied by sketches drawn by the curator of the exhibition, Susan Benson, CM, RCA, and short biographies, allowing the viewer to explore these personal stories from a new perspective.

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Around the Fireplace... Holiday Traditions

Montréal, November 28th, 2024 - At this time of year, the Château Ramezay - Montréal Museum and Historic Site invites young and old alike discover its magnificent Christmas decorations and festive programming. From December 7th 2024 to January 5th 2025, come and experience the origins of holiday traditions with your family by visiting the exhibition Around the Fireplace... Holiday Traditions! The Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on December 23rd, 24th, 25th and 31st and January 1st.

Until January 5th, 2025, the Château Ramezay's fireplace mantels will be richly decorated with a specific them. Each hearth will have you discover a holiday tradition: greeting cards, Christmas stockings, Advent calendar... there is much to learn around our fireplaces! Invite your cousins, don't forget about grandma, and come reconnect with the traditions of the past through our exhibitions and activities. You'll leave with rekindled anecdotes and beautiful memories to share with family and friends.

Unhook your Christmas stocking!

Come and enjoy a magical experience at Château Ramezay: children are invited to come and unhook their Christmas stocking from our fireplaces in a whimsical setting! It's an activity full of surprises, but only for well-behaved children! The stocking will be available for $10 plus tax.

Family-friendly circuit "Around the Fireplace"

To help guide children through the Museum, a free booklet will be offered to families upon their arrival. A hunt for curiosities from the past, a quest for information tidbits, and discussion prompts will keep children engaged throughout the visit. "What was Christmas like when you were little, grandma?"

 

Create your own Christmas card

The Château Ramezay offers everything you need to create your own Christmas card on site! It's also possible to create your own virtual greeting card by taking a photo of yourself in our in-house studio in front of a wintry landscape, wearing a cap and a cape or red woolen tuque, voyageur sash and snowshoes, an arrow and a wool tuque, as used to be done in the old Montreal photo studios.

This activity if offered during the weekends in December (starting on December 7th), with the exception of the following dates: December 23rd, 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st. It is also available from December 26th to 30th and from January 2nd to the 5th.

Temporary exhibition "Homage"

The Château Ramezay is also proud to present Homage, a one-of-a-kind exhibition, being shown for the first time in Quebec. Discover a collection of 41 necklaces, created by the jewelry artist Donald Stuart, CM, OOnt, RCA, to honour Canadian women from all eras and regions. Enhanced with sketches and biographies, this exhibition celebrates remarkable life journeys and explores inspiring personal stories until February 9th, 2025.

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