1697521120 One kilometer of documents since 1639 the Augustinian archives recognized

One kilometer of documents since 1639: the Augustinian archives recognized by UNESCO – Le Journal de Québec

The Augustines archives, recognized by UNESCO at an official ceremony in Quebec on Monday, are among Canada’s most important private collections.

To express the importance of these archives, we would put all the books, documents, photos, maps, rolls of film, etc. In boxes lined up one after the other, it would be enough for a kilometer.

A Delorean at Comiccon Quebec a full plutonium tank far.svg

1696622058 962 A Delorean at Comiccon Quebec a full plutonium tank far.svg

This wealth, which tells an important part of Quebec’s history, has received international recognition with the inclusion of the Augustine Archives in UNESCO’s World Documentary Heritage.

One kilometer of documents since 1639 the Augustinian archives recognized

It was a big day on Monday for the team at the Archives Center of the Monastère des Augustines de Québec, which was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s World Documentary Heritage list after a long journey that began more than two years ago. Photo Diane Tremblay

“Of the documents in the care of the Augustinians, the oldest dates back to 1637. The founders arrived in Quebec two years later, in 1639. This is the deed of incorporation signed by the Duchess of Aiguillon establishing the Hotel-God of Quebec. said Denis Robitaille, heritage project manager at the Augustines and responsible for the application to UNESCO.

There are also documents that were handwritten by Ludwig fighters of the War of Conquest.

“It is valuable because these are the only documents of this kind relating to the Seven Years’ War that exist anywhere in the world.”

1697521114 754 One kilometer of documents since 1639 the Augustinian archives recognized

Denis Robitaille, Heritage Project Manager for the Augustines and responsible for the UNESCO application. Photo Diane Tremblay

“Archives are often neglected in the heritage world because they are less spectacular than a building. It’s less tangible than objects, but it’s still the core of the story. This is the reference. Instead of telling a story based on the memories we have, we have documents,” Mr. Robitaille continued.

A long process

In 2018, the Augustines donated their archives to the Augustines Cultural Heritage Trust, whose mission is to preserve and make accessible this treasure. At the trust’s request, management was transferred to the Augustinian Monastery charitable organization.

This historic inscription is the culmination of a long process that began with recognition by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in 2020.

The application was then submitted to the highest levels of the organization in Paris with the support of the Canadian Commission.

“You have to meet criteria and have letters of support from all over the world. It will then be presented to a jury of archivists from all over the world,” emphasized Mr. Robitaille. UNESCO made its decision last May. This recognition gives the Augustinian Sisters’ contribution invaluable notoriety.

“This also means that the importance of the Augustinian archive goes beyond borders. This has universal implications. We recognize that the Augustinian archives are important worldwide. With that comes additional responsibility,” Mr. Robitaille added.

The Augustines archives are:

  • 516 linear meters of text documents
  • 237,761 iconographic documents
  • 4,658 cartographic documents
  • 947 hours of moving images
  • 3815 hours of sound recordings

Source: Augustinian Monastery