Brome County Historical Society
Still Life reference: Setting
Real world location: 130 Lakeside
Knowlton, QC. J0E 1V0
(450)243-6782
[email protected]
A central “character” in Louise’s magnificent Still Life, Arts Williamsburg was inspired by the real life Brome County Historical Society. Located just south of Brome Lake in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, the Historical Society was established in 1898 with the mission “to acquire, preserve, research, exhibit, interpret, and publish items of historical interest encompassing all of the historic Brome County and its sites.”
Incorporating multiple buildings, the Historical Society’s museum is a visual and tactile celebration of the power of the past. From the Tibbet’s Hill Schoolhouse (built in 1844) to the Old County Courthouse (built in 1858) and right up to the Children’s Museum, the museum is a must-see for those who identify with George Santayana’s famous quote: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Not to be missed is the extensive archive which houses a bevy of material from the original pioneers of the area, including census and church records, founding family trees, and cemetery inscriptions.
This post was inspired by:
More Photos From Brome County Historical Society (click to enlarge)
Ah! I had the pleasure of visiting this place last fall. I loved every minute of my time in that area, and that museum was full of all sorts of interesting things!
I can only imagine how busy it must be in Knowlton in the summer! Did you go on tours or visit other parts of Quebec/Canada while you were up here Susan?
I only had a few days to get away, (it’s about a 10 hour drive) so drove up to Knowlton in the fall, just at the end of tourist season in Sept. when it wasn’t super busy, and took the Three Pines Tour, which was a 4-5 hour day tour that wandered the countryside and took us to a lot of places that were inspirations for LP in writing her book, such as inspirations for the abbey, Manor Bellechaise, St. Thomas’s church, Monsieur Belliveau’s general store, Sara’s Boulangerie, the Bella Bella; also spent some time at the museums and the Lac Brome Book Store in Knowlton. Got to see a lot of interesting things, but was left thirsting for more. Wish I’d had more time to spend; I had less than 2 days to spend in the area. There was so much more that I wanted to see and do, and I want to someday check out Montreal and Quebec City ! Some day…