History is alive and well at the Popular Archives of Pointe St. Charles. Using a unique combination of archival work and community outreach, Archive members are preserving and renewing the activist roots of this once-flourishing industrial city.

Activist Past Points to Future

With the closing of Montreal's Lachine Canal in 1961, Pointe St. Charles hit hard economic times. But the residents fought back, working to improve living conditions in their neighbourhood. They created a free medical clinic, a free legal aid centre, housing cooperatives, a women's centre, a food co-op as well as popular education and civil rights groups. It is this history of social activism that the Archives is keeping alive. One key strategy is the gathering and classifying of documents from community organizations.

However, Archive members are well aware that a city's history resides in more than old pamphlets and papers. To tap into the memories of local activists, the Archives has instituted an oral history project. As part of that project, volunteers recently interviewed 21 women activists, whose stories became part of a special exhibition called "From the Home to the neighbourhood." Shown as part of the International Women's March Against Poverty in October 2000, the exhibit continues to be shown at various locations across the city.

Reaching Out to Revitalize the City

Gathering documents and doing interviews is just part of the Archive's mission. Members are also helping residents understand the history and politics of the issues the community currently faces. An example of this is the newest project called "Weaving a Quilt: A History of Community Action Through The Lives of Pointe St. Charles Women."

As well, Archive members are deeply involved with plans for the reopening of the Lachine Canal, slated for 2002. From participating in forums to networking with other community groups, members hope to use their knowledge of the Pointe's history to help residents benefit, both economically and socially, from the revitalization of the Canal.

For more information, contact:

1945 rue Mullens
Bureau 40
Montreal, QC H3K 1N9
phone: 514-934-5639
appsc@cam.org