The Musée de la Mer in Havre-Aubert, located at Cap Gridley on the La Grave site in the Magdalen Islands, stands proudly perched on one of the most beautiful observation points in the area. Since its establishment at this site in 1974, after spending a few years in the former parish hall of Havre between 1969, the year of its founding, and its relocation, it has played a leading role in safeguarding the maritime and cultural heritage of the islands.
This mission is fulfilled through research, collection conservation, promotion, dissemination, and education efforts, particularly regarding the insular imprint that shapes the lives of the Madelinots.
Moreover, for those who appreciate striking elements in this type of museum, upon entering the main hall of the renovated and expanded building in 2011, visitors are immediately drawn to the whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
Historical note: In May 2008, a sperm whale washed ashore on the North Beach, just before Pointe-aux-Loups. Once its death was confirmed, a group of Madelinots decided to display the skeleton on the Islands. Three men—Claude Bourque, Pierre-Henry Fontaine, and Paul Grégoire—along with twenty other volunteers, worked on the project, taking three days to strip the marine mammal's carcass. This marked the beginning of two crucial phases: cleaning and numbering each bone to reassemble the skeleton. It wasn’t until more than six years later, in December 2014, that the 215 degreased, dried, and cleaned bones were reassembled, and the skeleton was suspended in the Musée de la Mer's hall.
The museum’s new director since the end of 2022, Gabrielle Leblanc, is proud to continue the work of the founder, Father Frédéric Landry, who served as director for over 30 years. Trained in political science, literature, and project management, Ms. Leblanc has worked in the cultural and heritage sector for many years. From 2008 to 2021, she held the position of Supervisor of Cultural Activities and Cultural, Heritage, and Library Manager at the Municipality of the Magdalen Islands.
The Musée des Îles was inaugurated on August 8, 1969, in the presence of Jean-Jacques Bertrand, then Premier of Quebec. In 1972, the museum relocated and was renamed Musée de la Mer. The Quebec government allocated a $200,000 grant to construct a new building dedicated specifically to the institution.
Dynamic Exhibits and Captivating Activities
"The Musée de la Mer offers an immersion into Madelinot culture through exhibitions and activities throughout the year. The warm welcome from the inspiring and passionate staff complements the quality of both permanent and temporary exhibitions, making it an experience for the whole family," says Gabrielle Leblanc.
The permanent exhibition "Living on the Islands, Living the Islands", temporary exhibitions on various themes showcasing works by local artists, and offering detailed documentation for genealogy enthusiasts, artifacts from maritime life, ancestral fishing activities, shipwrecks, and lectures on relevant topics, all await both local visitors and the many tourists who visit each year.
Since May 2023, until October, visitors can view Annie Morin’s multidisciplinary exhibition, “Promenade at the Ocean’s Depths”. It presents a blend of sculptural and pictorial works inspired by the organic forms of the deep sea, emphasizing the contrast between its fragility and strength.
Worth noting, in February 1971, the exhibition "The Moon Lands on the Islands" showcased lunar rocks brought back to Earth in 1969 by the Apollo 11 crew.
Additionally, in July 1987, the Aquarium des Îles was inaugurated in the former heritage building of the Salines, at the La Grave site. It featured fauna and flora from the continental shelf of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Initially, this project was driven by the museum as part of the heritage site classification and revitalization of La Grave.
After a change in purpose in 2017, the building now hosts a second-floor exhibition on the history of La Grave and cultural activities on the ground floor during the summer. Experts are working to secure the 1895 building to stabilize its foundations, allowing it to continue its role in historical animation and education during the summer.
The Musée de la Mer is a non-profit organization managed by a board of directors chaired by Normand Thellab. The museum employs a team of people from various disciplines and welcomes researchers in archaeology and forensic anthropology during the summer.
Musée de la Mer
museedelamer-im.com
1023, chemin De La Grave
Havre-Aubert, (Qc) G4T 9C8
418 937-5711
BILL OLIVER
