Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Quebec City with the Virtual Museum of Canada
Commemorate the history and birth of Quebec City. Take part in festivities and events dedicated to the founding of Quebec City in 1608. Learn more about this important date in Canadian history with stories, exhibits and images from museums across Canada.
This summer, between June 14th and September 1st, 2008, come and meet the Virtual Museum of Canada’s team at the Space Canada’s pavilion on the Plains of Abraham!
Exhibitions On History
Get into the spirit of Quebec’s 400th anniversary festivities by going back in time with a variety of online exhibits dedicated to the foundation, lifestyle and culture of Quebec City.
1759: From the Warpath to the Plains of Abraham
Revisit the siege of Quebec and the battle of the Plains of Abraham. Play the role of a French soldier, British soldier, Canadian militiaman and Native Indian to learn the different views of the battle.
Pursue your journey by meeting majors James Wolfe and Louis-Joseph de Montcalm. Let them tell you about the battle that took place in 1759 on the Plains of Abraham.
1759 seen by Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
Transcript: Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
Hi,
I am lieutenant general Louis-Joseph, marquis de Montcalm, lord of St-Véran, Candiac, Vestric, Tournemine, and baron de Gabriac, commander of the French troops that suffered the siege of Quebec during the summer of 1759. I am very happy to show you a virtual exhibition in which General Wolfe and I play the most prestigious roles. This battle — the most important of Quebec City’s long 400-year history — is without a doubt a landmark event that was to change the fate of North America.
Follow the key stages of this war alongside the British, the French, Canadians and Amerindians, as you discover its background and preparations, the siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
A skillful mix of lively interactive games, videos featuring players from the period, illustrated narratives, evolutionary comic strips, period music, interactive maps…all magnificently presented in the settings that recreate in the smallest details the subtleties of this tempestuous era.
Thanks to the National Battlefields Commission, you will discover 67 activities designed to help you actively participate in the game, as it unfolds. Nearly three hours of pleasure and entertainment for all age groups.
So, soldiers, have a wonderful visit and… long live to the King!
1759 seen by James Wolfe (French)
Transcript: James Wolfe (French)
Bonjour,
Je suis le major général James Wolfe, commandant des troupes britanniques qui ont fait le siège de Québec à l’été 1759. Je suis très heureux de vous présenter une exposition virtuelle où nous sommes, le marquis de Montcalm et moi-même, les plus prestigieux protagonistes. Cette bataille, la plus importante de la longue histoire des 400 ans de Québec, représente sans aucun doute un fait marquant qui changea le sort de l’Amérique.
Suivez, aux côtés des Français, des Britanniques, des Canadiens et des Amérindiens, les étapes cruciales de cette guerre : le contexte, les préparatifs, le siège de Québec et la bataille des plaines d’Abraham.
Un savant mélange de jeux interactifs et vivants, de vidéos mettant en scène des joueurs de l’époque, des narrations illustrées, des bandes dessinées évolutives, de la musique d’époque, des cartes interactives…le tout somptueusement présenté dans des décors reprenant dans les moindre détails les subtilités de cette période d’agitation.
Grâce à la Commission des champs de batailles nationaux, vous découvrirez 67 activités vous permettant de participer activement au déroulement du jeu. Près de trois heures de plaisirs et de divertissement pour un public de tout âge.
Alors soldat, bonne visite et… Vive le roi!
Champlain: Travels in the Canadian Francophonie
Follow the travels of Samuel de Champlain and learn how he established the first permanent French colonies in Canada. You will discover European history in North America, the business of fur trade, and the establishment of New France.
Seasons of New France
Full of hope, newcomers from France came to Canada with a new way of life and culture. They quickly realized that their biggest challenge would be the ever-changing climate of the Canadian seasons. Discover how they adapted to this new land: the New France.
Community of Quebec
Catch a glimpse of Quebec City’s regional history by discovering the memories of various communities through numerous written documents, audio clips and videos, all in the VMC’s Community Memories. (This story is available in French only).
Images of a City
Find images and pictures related to Quebec City by browsing through the VMC’s Image Gallery. By visiting the heart of museum collections, you will learn more about the history of this renowned Canadian city.
Quebec Museums
Enjoy Quebec City’s numerous museums as you travel through the province of Quebec’s capital. Learn more about this French Canadian city by recalling the role of Native cultures, by visiting the Plains of Abraham and by exploring one of the most important battlefields in Canadian history.
