Founded in 1968 by the “Association des marins de la vallée du St-Laurent,” the Musée maritime du Québec (Musée maritime Bernier) is a non profit organization accredited since 1975 by Quebec’s Department of Culture and Communications.
The
Musée maritime du Québec is the largest museum of its kind
in Québec and Canada. It can be advantageously compared to other
top-performing museums like it. Proprietor of the national maritime collection
of Québec, the Musée owns a large variety of artefacts and
ancient documents that relate to all sorts of maritime events as well
as two life-sized ships. Moreover, the Musée is one of the first
cultural organizations involved in the conservation and the enhancement
of historical ships. Its mission is to safeguard, study and enhance the
maritime heritage relating to the St. Lawrence River, from the gateway
of the Great Lakes to the high seas, including the Arctic territory.
The museum perpetuates the memory of Captain Bernier through the naming of its principal building, the Pavillon J.E. Bernier. A son of L’Islet, career navigator, Captain Joseph-Elzéar Bernier distinguished himself by asserting Canada’s sovereignty over the Arctic territory. He was an example of competence and determination for many sailors and citizens of the country, and he enjoys national recognition.
The museum is located in a convent constructed in 1877, formerly owned by the Soeurs du Bon-Pasteur. The building was completely renovated in 1983 and meets all current museum-related standards. The three storeys of the museum house a fascinating variety of exhibits on Quebecois and Canadian maritime culture.
The exhibits | Parc
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