Chronicles
filles du roy, Vieux-Montréal, école, activités, dimanche, événements, muséologie, muséal



When Marguerite Bourgeoys opened the first school in Ville-Marie, in 1658, most of the people living there were illiterate.  Many trades did not require reading or writing and there was generally little interest in educating the masses. Moreover, in New France, books were expensive, extremely rare and difficult to obtain.
 
In France, the situation was similar.  However, despite everything, several small schools were founded in the 16th century and the rudiments of reading and writing were taught. The religious authorities viewed these two skills as tools that would facilitate the learning of the principles of faith. Marguerite Bourgeoys, who believed in education, agreed to cross the ocean in 1653 to teach the children of the first settlers in Ville-Marie as well as Amerindian children. She set valiantly down to work as soon as she arrived.

For the 350th anniversary of the founding of the first school in Montreal, this new series of chronicles gives you an opportunity to learn more about literacy in New France.
 
First episode
Mastering the universe of letters

Second episode
Books: food for the soul

Third episode
“Lend me your quill”: the public writer and the notary

Fourth episode
What a pleasure it is to receive news from you!


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