Maison Saint-Gabriel

In 1668, with only a small cash deposit and several payments in beaver pelts, Marguerite Bourgeoys purchased her neighbour François Le Ber’s land and house in Pointe-Saint-Charles. Her aim at the time was to provide a self-sufficient lifestyle for her community, the Congregation of Our Lady, whose primary mission was to educate the colony's children.

In keeping with this mission, Marguerite also looked after the Filles du Roy, a term used to refer to female orphans in need of a home, welcoming them to New France. For nearly three centuries the farm prospered, succeeding in its goal to provide a living space for the religious community while also helping the poor.

With the advent of industrialization in the 19th century, parcels of land were gradually sold until 1960, when the farm ceased its operations altogether. Thankfully, in 1965, the farmhouse and the barn were designated historical monuments, and the congregation restored the house and turned it into a museum now known as Maison Saint-Gabriel.