Morrin Centre is a National Historic Site of Canada located in the heart of Quebec City. The site is home to a variety of landmarks and activities which make it a great destination for visitors looking to explore the history and culture of the city. Located on two different floors, the site contains a library, museum, courthouse, printing press, and a schoolhouse, among other attractions. In addition to the history and culture, the Morrin Centre also offers a range of events and activities year-round. From various educational workshops to unique experiences like the Harry Potter Festival, visitors are sure to find something exciting to do at Morrin Centre. In this blog article, we will discuss some of the interesting facts, information, and travel tips associated with Morrin Centre as well as highlight some of the many special events held at the site. We invite you to explore this historic site and discover all it has to offer.
Table of Contents
1. The Morrin Centre is Quebec’s oldest English language library and educational centre. It was founded in 1803 by Lieutenant-Governor Freedworth Melville as an English language institution of learning for Lower Canada.
2. The Morrin Centre is home to Canada’s oldest chemistry laboratory. It was built in the 1850s and was used by the Royal Military College of Canada to teach chemistry to cadets.
3. The Centre served as a prison during the Patriot War of 1837–38. It allegedly held 22 Quebecois rebels, including Louis-Joseph Papineau, leader of the Patriote rebellion.
4. The Morrin Centre has its own ghost! During the years it served as a prison, a 51-year-old British soldier, Thomas George, hanged himself in the Centre’s library. People have reported hearing George’s voice echoing from floor to ceiling and feeling an eerie coldness on the stairs.
5. The Morrin Centre is now a cultural and literary hub. It houses several English-language book collections, a theatre, and Canada’s oldest literary society. It is also host to many cultural events and workshops throughout the year.
The Morrin Centre is a historic building located in the old city of Quebec in Canada. The building was built in 1808 as part of the British military complex and was originally used as a barracks and arsenal for the Royal Artillery. In 1813, the building was transformed into a military college, but after the fall of the city it became a jail and continued to operate in this manner until 1867. After the jail closed, the building was sold to the Morrin family, who donated it to the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec (LHSQ).
The building was then transformed into a library, which opened to the public in 1876. It housed the LHSQ’s library, a museum, a lecture hall, and various other activity rooms. Over the years, the building has also been home to a chapel and a secondary school. In 1965, it was transformed into a centre for cultural activities, a role it still holds today.
The Morrin Centre is also home to the oldest English-language library in Canada. The library has a large collection of books, periodicals, photographs, maps, archives, and more, most of which focus on the history of Quebec City. In addition, the Centre is home to the Centre de Recherche en Histoire (CRH), a research centre dedicated to the study of Quebec’s history. The centre also hosts lectures, symposia, and other cultural events.
Today, the Morrin Centre is considered a heritage site and is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. In 1985, it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.
Introduction
Morrin Centre is a historic building in the heart of Quebec City, Quebec. It is known for the English-language literary and historic artifacts found there, making it a unique and fascinating place to visit. The Centre also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, so there’s always something to see and do! Whether you’re looking for a place to learn about the history of the area or just explore the city, the Morrin Centre is perfect for your next visit to Quebec City.
Things to Do
Explore the building: The Morrin Centre is a designated heritage site, so a walk through the building is a must. Be sure to check out the unique architecture and take a peek inside the library before you leave.
Take a guided tour: The Morrin Centre offers free guided tours, which will take you through the building and provide you with interesting information about the site’s history.
Visit the museum: The museum in the Morrin Centre houses a variety of exhibits that tell the story of Quebec City’s history. Be sure to check out the exhibit on the city’s literary and publishing history and the collection of old books.
Attend a lecture: The Morrin Centre regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and other events. These include English-language literary discussions, history talks, and much more.
Visit the gift shop: Explore the wonderful collection of books, art, crafts, jewelry, and other items available for purchase in the gift shop.
Check out the garden: The park-like setting of the Centre’s garden adds a tranquil atmosphere. Take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy the greenery.
Take a walking tour: Each summer the Centre offers free guided walking tours of the historic district of Old Quebec.
Shop at the Saturday market: Every Saturday morning in the summer, the Morrin Centre hosts a market filled with vendors selling local products.
Food & Drink
There are several nearby restaurants and cafés where you can grab a bite to eat during your visit to the Morrin Centre. Head to La Petite Covoyeuse for traditional French food, or Café 1793 to enjoy light dishes. If you’re looking for a place to have a few drinks, head to the Bar a Huîtres, which is known for its oysters and c**ktails.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options near the Morrin Centre. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, stay at Hotel Manoir Victoria or the Auberge Saint-Antoine. Both hotels offer top-notch amenities and are conveniently located near the Centre. For more budget-friendly options, try the Auberge de la Tour or B&B Le Symphonia.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Quebec City is to take the bus. There are several bus stops near the Morrin Centre, so you can easily get to wherever you need to go. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi, but bus transportation is generally the most convenient option.
Q. What is the Morrin Centre?
A. The Morrin Centre is a historic building located in the heart of Old Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The building houses the headquarters of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec and is the oldest university building in the province.
Q. When was the Morrin Centre built?
A. The current structure of the Morrin Centre was built in 1808, though it underwent various renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Q. What can visitors experience at the Morrin Centre?
A. Visitors to the Morrin Centre can take a guided tour of the facility, as well as explore the Centre’s library and museum. The Morrin Centre also hosts a variety of cultural and educational events.
Q. What type of events are held at the Morrin Centre?
A. The Morrin Centre hosts a variety of events, including literary, historical, and cultural events.
Q. Is parking available at the Morrin Centre?
A. Yes, there is paid parking available and the Morrin Centre is located close to public transit.
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024