Célébrer ‘la base de notre communauté’

Exciting events and financial challenges await the Société historique de Saint-Boniface (SHSB) as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Founded on September 4, 1902, by Archbishop Adélard Langevin, the institution houses the archives of Franco-Manitoban and Métis heritage in Western Canada.

With the role of preserving memory, the new president, Michelle Smith, who has been in office since June 2026, emphasizes that the society represents their identity: "For me, the Société historique tells who we are, it's like the base of our community. It confirms our existence and proves that we have a place here." As Émilie Pigeon, the general director, points out, these institutions founded by Monseigneur Langevin, such as La Liberté, played a crucial role in supporting the Francophone society in a minority context over decades.

It is wonderful that they not only managed to preserve these institutions for over 125 years but also to grow so that the SHSB is now an essential source for all matters concerning the collective past of Franco-Manitoban Manitoba.

This mission, worth celebrating during the 2027 season, aims to "better understand ourselves and propel ourselves in the next 125 years." The season will begin with an introspective look at the history of the SHSB on October 14 at 5 p.m. in the Empire hall of the Heritage Centre, led by historian Stéphanie St-Pierre. A wine-and-cheese event will follow the presentation.

The 2027 season will kick off with an open day in January, offering free workshops on archival research techniques and genealogical research. In March, filmmaker Brian Hawkins will present his documentary Toujours Icitte, showcasing the folklore of French Creoles from Missouri. In May 2027, findings on the Asile Ritchot in Saint-Norbert, which operated at the beginning of the 20th century, will be shared.

In November, researchers will present their research linked to their archives. Autumn will also focus on the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba, through an exhibition for their 140th anniversary.

The highlight of this anniversary will take place in the summer, with an excursion to Fort Saint-Charles. Émilie Pigeon remarks, "the site of our genesis," as it was during its discovery by Archbishop Langevin that he decided to found the SHSB. An excursion to the site of a historical landmark, with relics lost in a fire in 1922 and later with most of the collection again in 1968, demonstrates the institution's strength in adaptation.

Today, the collections are digitized and published online, an essential step towards accessibility. Soon, the Asile Ritchot archives will be available on search engines in optimal quality, avoiding the degradation of originals through manipulation, and allowing better enlargement than with a classic magnifying glass. However, having quality archives is not enough; they also need to be consulted.

The SHSB aims to become more appealing: "If there is one thing we want to do more, it's conferences, activities, and outings," plans Michelle Smith, who has been a member of the historical society for nearly 40 years and serves on the board for four years. A renaissance of history, backed by her financial expertise, will be guided by her network of connections in the Franco-Manitoban community.