History
Built in 1820, the Franco-Quebec-style house is a symbol of the development of the region and of French-Canadian style. Threatened with destruction in the 1970s due to the construction of Highway 13, it was saved and moved, thanks to the mobilization of citizens and the Société d'histoire de l'île Jésus (now the SHGIJ), to be preserved. Closed in 2014 for restoration work, it finally reopens its doors in 2025 with a new vocation: to become a vibrant and inclusive museum.
Building the home
Construction of a house for André Papineau, father of André-Benjamin.
A donation, a notary
In November 1843, Papineau received a notarized donation. He obtained the family land with a stone house, a barn and other buildings, and a plot of land. In exchange, he agreed to pay his mother and his two unmarried sisters a life annuity of 400 bales of good hay and twenty cords of firewood.
Arrival of Highway 13
Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau is threatened with demolition due to the construction of Highway 13, which leads to the Mirabel airport.
Heritage preservation
After the Société d'histoire de l'île Jésus (now SHGIJ) mobilized citizens to save Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau, it was protected under the Cultural Property Act (now the Cultural Heritage Act) on September 16, 1974.
Restoration
As part of the restoration and curettage of the house, the architects removed all the elements, added at different times, that were not part of the original building. The new annex is demolished. All exterior and interior wall and ceiling coverings are removed.
An original look
Further restoration work is undertaken. The cedar shingles on the roof were renewed, the mortar joints on the walls were redone, and the woodwork on the windows was repaired and repainted. Last but not least, parts of the roof structure damaged in the 1998 ice storm were replaced. This restored the house to its original appearance, typical of the Papineau family's time.
Closure
On December 12 of 2014, Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau was forced to close its doors, in part due to an expert report mentioning the presence of very high levels of mold.
A project to revitalize
On May 24, 2022, work began on restoring and enlarging Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau.
Open and varied programming
Maison André-Benjamin-Papineau is finally reopened to the public, 11 years after its closure.
André-Benjamin-Papineau, an exceptional man
Born of the union of André Papineau and Marie Anne Roussel, André-Benjamin Papineau was born in Montreal on December 23, 1809. A notary by profession, he was also involved in the parish and municipal life of Saint-Martin. He was churchwarden, commissioner of small causes and mayor of the municipality, as well as councillor and secretary-treasurer of the school board. He also took part in the Patriote rebellions of 1837-1838, alongside his illustrious cousin Louis-Joseph Papineau. The house proudly bears his name, and we invite you to discover its fascinating history!