Missisquoi Museum
Stanbridge East
Travel back through time!
Located just an hour from Montreal in the beautiful Eastern Townships along the Route des Vins (Wine Route) and the Chemin des Cantons (Townships Trail), the Missisquoi Museum invites you to discover the historic diversity and delights of this charming region.
In 1830, Zebulon Cornell built a flour mill on the banks of the Pike River. The mill, built of red bricks, was in operation for 130 years. In 1964, the Missisquoi Historical Society turned the three-storey building into a museum.
You can also visit the Walbridge Barn—a 12-sided building unique in Canada and classified as a provincial historic monument—in nearby Mystic (St-Ignace-de-Stanbridge). The building is a testament to the creative spirit of the man who designed it, engineer and gentleman farmer Alexander S. Walbridge, and stages an agricultural exhibition of yesteryear.
Visit both sites and learn about the fascinating people, families, trades and companies that shaped the history of the Missisquoi region over 200 years.
In the turbulent years of the 1860s and 1870s, veterans from the Irish brigades of the American Civil War, and members of the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish nationalist organisation, decided to invade Canada; their plan was to capture parts of Canada, and pressure Great Britain to grant sovereignty to Ireland, which had been under British rule for hundreds of years.
On 25 May 1870, about 400 Fenian soldiers crossed into Canada at Eccles Hill (Frelighsburg). They were swiftly defeated by members of the Canadian Home Guard volunteers and local milicia. The defeat effectively crushed the Fenian Brotherhood as an organisation in North America.
This year’s exhibit commemorates the heroic story of those who fought to ensure Canada’s freedom from enemy invasio
The Missisquoi Museum is located in an old grist mill. Come and visit the three-storey red brick building built in 1830, and discover the fascinating story of the people, families and companies that shaped the history of Missisquoi County over the past 200 years.
The Walbridge Barn, located in Mystic (Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge), is classified as a historic monument. This dodecagonal (12-sided) barn is the only one of its kind in the province—a true gem of Quebec’s architectural heritage. It also houses the Museum’s agricultural collection.
Just a few steps from the main building, you’ll find Hodge’s General Store, which served the local community for more than 120 years. Built in 1841, it now displays a collection of authentic Second World War-era merchandise.
FOR SCHOOLS – Bring your students to the Museum for an exciting learning experience. The Museum’s programs and school activities are led by experienced guides, who bring to life the fascinating people, families and trades that shaped the Missisquoi area over 200 years.
TEMPORARILY CLOSED – Every summer, The Paige Knight Art Gallery presents the work of 4 artists of the Missisquoi area. Come and discover their beautiful work of art.
Other services
Archives (by appointment only)
The Missisquoi Historical Society archives is located in the Doris Jones McIntosh Annex and it is the central repository for Missisquoi County’s history. The archives is mainly comprised of primary sources such as family history files, photographs and glass plate negatives, diaries and family Bibles, and so much more.
Rest area (picnic tables)
The Museum provides picnic tables on its grounds, so you can enjoy your outing to the fullest.
Shop
TEMPORARILY CLOSED - The Museum shop offers you a selection of books on the History of the Missisquoi area.
Photo album
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Opening hours
The Missisquoi Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from May 30 to October 10, 2021. The Cornell Mill is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Walbridge barn from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays).
Hodge’s General Store is currently CLOSED due to COVID-19.
The Missisquoi Museum is closed in the winter. We look forward to seeing you once we open again on National Patriots’ Day!
Ticket office
Tickets for the Missisquoi Museum are sold on site only.
For more information, contact us at 450-248-3153.