In 1693, fire destroyed the house purchased by Marguerite Bourgeoys. The only part that was spared was the milk house, which still stands today. The large stone farm house was rebuilt on its original foundations. An extension on the west side of the house was added in 1826. The building, known today as Maison Saint-Gabriel, was designated a national historic site in June 2007. It includes a museum of 17th century rural life and of the Filles du Roy.

Le Jeu de la voyagère, a play in nine scenes and divided in three acts, illustrates the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys. Written by Rina Lasnier, a well-known Quebec poet and playwright, who received several awards, the play was first published by the Éditions de la Société des écrivains canadiens. Later, in 1950, the new and revised version was published by the Congrégation de Notre-Dame. In that same year, the play was presented during four evenings at the École normale and was directed by Mlle A. Lavallée, professor of diction. It was also presented during the Jubilee celebrations for Msgr. J.-A. Papineau, Bishop of Joliette. Many presentations were organized in the schools of the CND throughout Quebec.

This building on Westmount Avenue was the Congregation’s Mother House from 1985 to 2005.

The first Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum opened in 1951. To depict the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Sister Hélène Perrault, with the help of Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame as well as members and friends of her family, set up no less than 67 small showcases using figurines.
These charming dolls, some of which are from Italy and France, recreate scenes of the daily life or of events that marked the history of Marguerite and Ville-Marie. Fifty-eight showcases are currently on display at the museum. They are a must-see!

The Cercles des jeunes naturalistes (CJN) is a non-profit organization which promotes the interpretation and discovery of natural sciences. Established by Brother Adrien Rivard in 1931, the movement was very popular and many groups are established throughout Quebec. In 1950, the Congrégation de Notre-Dame had 50 active groups that organized such activities as exhibits, contests, excursions and conferences.