Exploring off the beaten path! We came across this spectacular building set up on a hill in the center of Memramcook NB. So we pulled up to check it out and discovered that yes we could go in and found ourselves in a beautiful museum. The Monument Lefebvre is dedicated to the history, culture and journey of the Acadians.
The MONUMENT LEFEBVRE is a National Historic Building that was built in 1898. It is located in the heart of Memramcook which is just a short car ride from Moncton, NB. This building was the new home for the Saint Joseph's College (est:1864)that was the first to offer post secondary education in the French language; in Atlantic Canada. It stands as the symbol of the Acadian Renaissance which began with the first Acadian National Convention held in Memramcook in 1881. The building was dedicated in honour of Father Lefebvre. Today it serves as a museum depicting his life and the remarkable history of the Acadians. It is definitely a must see in your travels.
Camille Lefebvre(1831-1895)
Father Lefebvre came to Memramcook from Quebec in 1864 to help establish a College with the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He was the superior to the college(1864), educator and the local parish priest. He was appointed the Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1872 and the apostolic missionary in 1876. He was devoted to and concerned about Acadian rights and was instrumental in organizing the Acadian National Convention in 1881. Acadians numbered 5000 strong on these grounds that year. Delegates at the convention declared August 15 as the celebration of National Acadian Day. He was very remarkable man who made a strong impact in the lives of so many.
So take a side road and explore! The information documented in the museum will transform you to the earliest days of Acadian history, the culture, the hardships and their journey during the tragic Expulsion in 1755.
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