All You Need to Know About the Use of Coffins in Cremation
Since ancient times, coffins and cremation have gone hand in hand in the funeral rites of mankind. In fact, even today, for many people, the choice of coffin is an important part of funeral prearrangement planning.
But what is the role of the casket when cremation is chosen over burial? What are the laws and options regarding the use of caskets for cremation in Quebec?
Find out more by reading this article…
Casket and cremation: what does the law say?
Quebec laws include a number of guidelines for the disposal of bodies on its territory, to ensure that everyone who dies is treated with dignity until their final resting place.
In the case of flame cremation, the Quebec government’s Regulation respecting the application of the Funeral Operations Act stipulates that “the body must be placed in a cremation container made of the appropriate combustible materials designed to support the weight of the body”.
So even if there is no viewing of the deceased, the body must still be placed in a rigid cardboard or wooden coffin until cremation. Of course, these coffins are often more modest in appearance than those used to display the deceased at a viewing.
Cremation: with or without a viewing?
When the time comes to decide whether or not to display the body, the choice rests with the deceased’s family (or with the deceased himself, if he has made his last wishes known).
Cremation without a viewing is called “simple cremation”. In this case, the body is transported to the cremation site in a thin cardboard or wooden container.
If viewing is part of the funeral rites surrounding the person’s death, then the body will be displayed in a casket. This can be made of plywood or natural wood, such as oak, mahogany or pine. A viewing casket can also be made of copper, bronze or steel.
Buy or rent the viewing casket?
Since the purchase of a casket often represents close to half of the total cost of funeral arrangements, many people opt for rental instead.
In fact, it’s possible to rent a casket shell to display the body of the deceased during the funeral rites, and then use a more sober (and less expensive) container for cremation or burial.
There’s no right or wrong answer to the question of whether to buy or rent a casket. The decision is yours!
Crématorium Montréal’s services
At Crématorium Montréal, our goal is to offer affordable funeral services so that everyone can rest in dignity.
Among other things, we offer a low-cost, contactless cremation package. This online service is designed to make the cremation process as simple as possible for those who have just lost a loved one.
You can also plan your funeral prearrangements online to ensure a respectful and professional cremation service when the time comes.
Whatever your funeral service needs, our team is here to help and guide you.
Source:
https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cr/A-5.02,%20r.%201
READ MOREThe Origins of Cremation in Quebec
Cremation has been part of funeral rites in many cultures for thousands of years. However, Canada’s first crematorium opened in 1901, in Montreal.
Cremation is a funeral technique designed to reduce the body of a deceased person to ashes. Along with burial, it is one of the most common techniques used by human beings worldwide to dispose of the bodies of the deceased.
“Cremation” is often confused with “incineration”. Although both terms refer to the act of burning to ashes, the word “incineration” is more commonly used when referring to objects. The word “cremation” is preferred when referring to a funeral rite.
Read this article to find out more about the origins of cremation and its place at the heart of funeral rites in Quebec.
Cremation, past and present
The first traces of cremation in funeral rites date back to the Neolithic period. At a number of archaeological sites in Europe, pottery containing the ashes of several individuals has been found, proving the use of cremation as a funeral technique as early as 2500 BC.
Then, during Antiquity, cremation was commonly used for the deaths of Roman aristocrats, including Caesar and his family. This funeral technique continued to evolve until what is known as “modern cremation”, i.e. cremation as we know it today. It came into being towards the end of the 19th century, thanks to advances in modern science.
Cremation and religion
Buddhism has always permitted cremation as a means of disposing of the body.
In Hinduism, the practice is mandatory. In India, cremation takes place on a pyre on the banks of a sacred river. The ashes are then scattered in the river.
Cremation has been authorized by the Catholic Church since 1963. However, ashes cannot be kept at home or scattered in nature. They must be preserved in cemeteries.
In the Protestant religion, cremation has been accepted since 1898.
As for the Orthodox, Muslim and Judaic religions, they do not allow cremation.
Cremation in Quebec culture
In Quebec, cremation became part of our funeral rites in 1901, with the opening of the first Canadian crematorium. It was built in Montreal’s Mount Royal Cemetery.
At the time, the debate surrounding cremation was divisive. As the Catholic Church did not approve of cremation, not everyone agreed with the construction of the crematorium. Certain amendments were therefore made to the cremation bill:
- Only individuals who own a plot in the Mount Royal Cemetery will have access to cremation services.
- A person wishing to have his or her body cremated must make a request in his or her will (excluding cremation of the body of a minor, for example).
In 1903, the committee in charge of the crematorium succeeded in making cremation available to anyone who expressed the wish in writing, for themselves or for another person in their care, be it a child, patient or other.
What the law says
Here’s some relevant information about the laws pertaining to cremation in Quebec:
- Cremation must be carried out in a crematorium operated by a funeral service company.
- Human ashes may be delivered by the funeral service company to only one person and must be placed in one or more containers, in which all the ashes must be distributed.
- No one may scatter human ashes in a place where they could constitute a nuisance or in a manner that does not respect the dignity of the deceased.
The services of Crématorium Montréal
Did you know that without any need to go anywhere, you can make arrangements for the remains of your loved one, with the help of one of our Crématorium Montréal family advisors?
We take care of everything, remotely. Check out our services to learn more.
We also offer attentive, professional cremation services following the death of a loved one.
Our team is here to help you get through this ordeal with full peace of mind.
Sources:
https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/A-5.02
https://archipel.uqam.ca/7193/1/M13747.pdf
READ MOREThe Origins of the Burning Chapel
We’re all familiar with the term “burning chapel” (often referred to in English by the French equivalent “chapelle ardente”), which is an integral part of our funeral traditions.
A burning chapel is a temporary place specially designed for the body of the deceased to lie in state until the funeral ceremony. This is where loved ones come to keep vigil and pay their respects.
But what does “burning chapel” mean? Why does it have this very special name? Find out more about the origins of the burning chapel and its place at the heart of modern funeral rites.
The burning chapel in the Middle Ages
In medieval times, the deceased were usually laid to rest at home. However, in the case of a priest or a public figure, the body of the deceased would lie in state in the chapel instead. In this way, a larger number of visitors could come to pay their respects.
In such cases, numerous candles were used to illuminate the visitation area. This gave rise to the term “burning chapel”. This practice was in fact used for the majority of royal funeral ceremonies in the late Middle Ages.
The first written notes on the subject appear in the account of the funeral of French King Louis X, in 1316. It speaks of two burning chapels built at Saint-Denis and Notre-Dame to mark the monarch’s death.
Nevertheless, it is in the account of the funeral of René d’Anjou, who died in 1480, that the expression “chapelle ardente” is first noted.
| Note: The term “chapelle ardente” must not be confused with “chambre ardente“, which refers to a 16th-century French inquisitorial court, responsible for judging crimes against the state. |
The burning chapel of modern times
Today, a visitation parlour could be considered a modern-day burning chapel. However, while the coffin in a visitation parlour is often placed close to a wall, the coffin lying in state in a burning chapel is generally placed right in the middle of the room, allowing visitors to walk around both sides of the coffin.
The casket models used for viewing the decease in a burning chapel are fitted with a lid that can be completely removed so that the deceased is not hidden on one side by the open lid. In fact, this type of coffin is often referred to as a “priest’s coffin”, most likely in reference to the traditional use of this type of viewing.
The burning chapel can be held in a place of worship, but also in other significant locations such as a city hall, a parliament building, a museum or even an amphitheatre. In all cases, the coffin is usually placed on a raised and decorated funeral platform, known as a catafalque.
A few examples of famous burning chapels:
Queen Elizabeth II: September 15-19, 2022, the Queen of England lay in state (i.e., in a burning chapel) in London’s Westminster Hall. The line to the coffin stretched for 8 kilometres, and some visitors had to wait up to 30 hours to spend a few seconds with the late sovereign.
Maurice Richard: On May 30, 2000, some 100,000 people came to pay tribute to the Rocket at the Molson Centre, which was transformed into a burning chapel to honour the deceased.
Pope Benedict XVI: January 2-4, some 65,000 faithful bid farewell to the head of the Catholic Church, who lay in state for 3 days in a burning chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
| In memory of Michel Côté, who lay in state at the Monument-National in Montreal on June 8. |
Sources :
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapelle_ardente
https://www.lagentiane.org/chroniques/est-une-chapelle-ardente-3714/
https://www.biographi.ca/fr/bio/richard_maurice_22F.html
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chambre_ardente
READ MOREFuneral Prearrangements: How to Prepare?
Pre-planning funeral arrangements is a simple way to give you and your loved ones peace of mind. With funeral pre-planning, you can make sure that your wishes are known, understood and respected following your death. As for your loved ones, this short process will relieve them of a financial and logistical burden.
Planning alone or with your loved ones?
In making your arrangements in advance, you will decide how your death will be observed by your loved ones. This includes the more technical details, such as how the body will be disposed of and where you will be commemorated. However, you can also include any ritual or spiritual requests you may have.
Since your pre-arrangements will dictate the way the final good-byes will proceed, it’s a good idea to involve your loved ones in the planning process. In doing so, you can inform them of your expectations and they can discuss with you how they would like to honour your memory.
In this way, you can make sure that your ceremony is a reflection of who you are and that your loved ones will be able to mourn in their own way.
What questions should I ask?
During your funeral pre-arrangements, our advisor will discuss three topics with you:
- Disposal of the body
- Services and other considerations
- Rituals and wishes
The questions listed below will guide your thinking and make sure you cover all the points that will be discussed when planning your pre-arrangements.
Disposal of the body
How the body will be disposed of is the first detail to be discussed. It will influence all the decisions to follow.
Here are the questions to ask yourself:
- Would you like your body to be buried or would you prefer cremation?
- Where will your final resting place be, the cemetery or the columbarium?
Services and other considerations
Your loved ones will have many details and providers to deal with when you die. However, a number of decisions can be made now to relieve them of this pressure.
Here are the questions to ask yourself:
- Would you like your body to be viewed? If so, would you prefer to rent or buy a casket?
- If you opt for burial, what type of coffin would you like?
- If you opt for cremation, what type of urn would you like?
- Would you like to reserve a parlor for visitation? If so, for how long?
- Would you like to reserve a reception room for the funeral meal?
- Do you want to budget now for expenses such as obituary notices, flowers, buffet, etc.?
Rituals and wishes
Once you have discussed the more technical aspects of the pre-arrangements, it’s time to tackle the ceremonial aspects.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Would you like the farewell ceremony to take place on site or would you prefer a religious service at the church?
- Are there any photos, music or texts you would like to include in the ceremony?
- Who will speak at the ceremony?
- Are there any special rituals or traditions you would like to see respected?
- Do your loved ones have any requests regarding the ceremony?
After the preparations comes the planning
Once you have explored these various questions, you can make an appointment with us to plan your funeral pre-arrangements.
Of course, all this is just food for thought. You don’t have to do any of this to meet with one of our advisors. We are here to guide you through the process and can discuss each of these points with you to find the option that suits you best.
Sources:
https://www.fcfq.coop/chroniques/dossier-special-les-arrangements-prealables-funeraires-2332/
READ MORETestimony: A Mother is Always There
From the moment a mother brings a child into the world, she is there for him. Day and night, whatever his needs are, she is always there.
She taught you to walk, to talk, to taste the good things in life. You were growing up so fast! She often said to herself, “I’ve lost my baby”… But deep down, she was happy to see you grow up and enjoyed discovering the person you were becoming.
On your first day of school, she dropped you off with your little lunch box and watched you disappear behind closed doors. What you didn’t know is that she spent the day in her car outside the school, hoping to catch a glimpse of you at recess. She wanted to make sure you were getting along with your classmates and making many new friends.
Over the years, your Mom teaches you to dance, to laugh, to love. She teaches you to love others and, most importantly, to love yourself. She tells you about what her life was like when she was your age. She explains to you how life was different in her day. And she tells you about those things that she didn’t get to experience and that she is happy you can do so.
As a teenager, you experience love and your Mom is there to support you. As you enter adulthood, you begin to go out and about on your own. Your Mom is always there. She waits for you in the evening, even when you come home late. You confide in her about your personal life and she listens, advises you, but never judges you.
One day, you introduce the love of your life to your Mom. When you tell her that you are going to get married, deep in her heart, your Mom knows that this is not the right person for you. But she respects you and lets you make your own way.
At the wedding, sitting in the front row, she cries, but she is there for you. All that matters is that she shares this important moment with you and supports you.
Later, you have your own children. Your Mom then becomes a grandmother. She is the best babysitter; she takes such good care of her grandchildren! Every Christmas, she is there to share the little family’s happiness. It is during these moments of celebration that you share your reality as a parent. She tells you about her life, her past Christmases. She talks about her own parents and grandparents. Through her stories and memories, you get to know your Mom. You will discover your Mom’s life all throughout your own.
One day, you tell your Mom that you have met someone new and that you will continue your life with her. From the first meeting, she knows that this time it’s the right one and that makes her happy. At your second wedding, still sitting in the front row, she laughs out loud. She beams at seeing her child so well accompanied.
Life goes on. The grandchildren grow up and in turn have their own children. This is when your mother discovers she is ill. You all have to come to terms with the fact that the holiday season will never be the same again. Then, slowly, life fades away and that’s how your Mom leaves you.
Even though she is no longer with you, you still remember her advice, her stories and her recipes. By cooking your Mom’s dishes, you keep her alive, close to you at all times.
Life goes on. Time passes slowly. Then, sickness hits you, too. In need of special care, you live in a hospital. It is there that other memories, deeper, more ingrained, come back to you. You remember her perfume. Her lipstick. Her nail polish. The sound of her heels on the floor. You remember your life with her.
As you near the end of your own life, and in your last moments, you will still be able to ask her: “Mom, come get me”. She will still be there for you.
READ MOREGuy Lafleur: 1 Year Since the Great Departure of Le Démon Blond
On April 22, we lost Guy Lafleur to lung cancer at the age of 70. Here’s a look back at this great name in hockey history—a player with extraordinary energy and a man of incomparable generosity.
A legend on the ice
Guy Lafleur made a remarkable debut in the National Hockey League, where he played for 17 seasons. He skated for the New York Rangers and the Quebec Nordiques, but he forged his career mainly with the Montreal Canadiens, the team with which he won 5 Stanley Cups.
Known for his impressive speed and his outstandingly accurate shots, he became the first NHL player to score 50 goals and 100 points during 6 consecutive seasons. In fact, he was named one of the 100 best players in the League in 2017.
In 1988, the number 10 was retired by the Habs when Guy Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A man who was larger than life
Guy Lafleur’s popularity extended far beyond the ice. The man nicknamed “Démon Blond” (Blond Demon) was known for his generosity and simplicity. Always close to people despite his success, he never refused to sign an autograph or take a picture with a fan.
He was involved with the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation and the CHUM Foundation. Helping children was important to him. That’s why he often visited young patients in children’s hospitals.
A national funeral for the hockey player
On April 24, 2022, as the Canadiens took on the Bruins at the Bell Centre, a pre-game ceremony paying tribute to the man who had left us two days earlier, ended with a 10-minute standing ovation among the fans in attendance.
The official commemorations took place May 1-2, 2022 at the Bell Centre. Tens of thousands of people gathered in front of his casket, transforming the place into a burning chapel.
Guy Lafleur’s national funeral was held on May 3 at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal. His casket was carried by his ex-team mates Pierre Bouchard, Guy Lapointe, Mario Tremblay, Yvon Lambert and his sons Mark and Martin.
The master of ceremonies was none other than Michel Lacroix, the Montreal Canadiens’ in-house announcer. A number of big names in hockey paid tribute to Guy Lafleur that day. Ginette Reno even performed her song “L’Essentiel”. Then, the religious part of the ceremony was presided over by Christian Lépine, Archbishop of Montreal.
And lastly, the casket—covered in the colours of the Montreal Canadiens—was escorted out of the cathedral to a round of applause.
A tribute that transcends time
Last May, the city of Montreal was talking about naming a street, a park or another public space after Guy Lafleur. As for the Quebec government, it said it was open to the idea of renaming Highway 50 “Autoroute Guy Lafleur”, as it runs through Thurso, the hockey player’s hometown.
However, according to the Commission de toponymie du Québec (CTQ), a place cannot be named after a person who died less than a year ago. Today, almost 12 months after the great departure of Le Démon Blond, we can hope to see his name revived in our Quebec spaces.
READ MOREA Special Benefit to Make Funeral Services Accessible to Everyone
Because every family has the right to say a final farewell to a loved one in a dignified way, the Quebec government has set up a special benefit for funeral expenses of up to $2500 to cover all or part of these expenses.
This financial assistance replaces the Death Benefit in cases where the deceased had not contributed enough to the Quebec Pension Plan. Here are the terms and conditions for applying for the special benefit…
Who is entitled to the Special Funeral Expense Benefit?
This benefit is paid if the deceased did not have the financial means to pay for funeral expenses and is not entitled to the Death Benefit.
However, the deceased does not need to have been receiving social assistance or social solidarity benefits to be eligible. If the deceased did receive benefits under one of these programs, the Application for the payment of funeral expenses form (SR-0006FA) must be completed. If the deceased did not receive benefits under one of these programs, the Application for Payment of Funeral Expenses for an Independent Adult Who Was Not Receiving Last-Resort Financial Assistance (3005A) form corresponding to the deceased’s situation must be completed.
In the case of the death of a child, the parent must be receiving social assistance or social solidarity benefits. The child must have been stillborn and died while not in the care of a parent.
How is the special benefit calculated?
The calculation of this financial assistance takes into account the liquid assets and the value of the person’s property and life insurance at the time of death. It also takes into account the amount of any existing pre-arranged funeral services contract and pre-purchased burial contract.
How do I apply?
After completing the appropriate form, you must drop it off or mail it to the nearest Services Québec office. It must be received no later than 90 days after the date of the funeral services.
During your visit to the funeral home, the funeral advisor can guide you through the steps to apply for the Special Funeral Expense Benefit and will help you calmly handle this difficult step, with respect and dignity.
For more information:
https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/social-assistance-social-solidarity/calculating-basic-benefit/funeral-expenses
Grieving and Commemorating our Idols
One morning, while visiting a news site or browsing your social media, you learned of the death of one of your idols whose career you followed or of a celebrity who was particularly near and dear to your heart. You may have never even met them, yet a deep sense of sadness and nostalgia followed you around for a few days.
How is it that the death of a famous person can affect us so much?
An inspirational role model
We are more likely to become attached to a public figure we can relate to, for example, when their life experiences are similar to ours or when they work in a field we are passionate about. It could be an Olympic athlete who overcame the same phobia as we did, a journalist who went to our high school, a TV star with similar family values to ours, or a singer from our hometown. Sometimes it’s simply that their humour, kindness, courage or talents inspire us.
The bond between us then creates a special emotional attachment, and we enjoy following their life as if they were a member of our family. The departure of the celebrity in question inevitably leaves a void in our lives.
A presence in the background
The death of a celebrity can also make us sad because we associate that person with key moments in our lives. For example, for thousands of Quebecers, Michel Louvain’s songs were part of the soundtrack of many a dance party or family reunion. If you attended a Pierre Légaré show on a special romantic date, his death may have brought back fond memories. Or, perhaps the death of Carrie Fisher, the mythical Princess Leia, saddened you because you associate her with your childhood, having imitated the Star Wars heroes so often and knowing the lines by heart.
The death of the star in question reminds us of good (or not so good) memories that we lived through and makes us realize that those days are gone.
A similarity to the death of a loved one
Sometimes the circumstances or causes of a celebrity’s death can remind us of the death of a loved one. For example, when Patrick Bourgeois, the lead singer of the BB’s, died of colon cancer, people who liked the group and who also lost a loved one to the disease probably felt some grief.
It is normal for the death of a public figure to reopen a wound that was thought to be healed when the causes are similar. In that case, it is healthy to talk about it in order to express the emotions that we feel.
Quebec celebrities who passed away in 2022
In 2022, as every year, we had to say good-bye to many Quebec celebrities who left their mark on us and to whom we had become attached. Among others, we think of Jean Lapointe, who left us a legacy of his songs, his contribution to the fight against drug addiction, his humour and his kindness.
We also said good-bye to two great field hockey legends—Guy Lafleur and Mike Bossy. So many young people applauded their prowess on the ice, donned a #10 or #22 jersey and were inspired by their accomplishments to excel on the ice!
As we usher in the New Year, let’s take a moment to remember all the celebrities who have passed on and left a piece of themselves in our hearts.
Sources :
https://uda.ca/in-memoriam#:~:text=DE%20H%C3%8ATRE%2C%20Marcel%20le%2011,l’%C3%A4ge%20de%2095%20ans
READ MOREKeeping the Ashes of a Deceased Loved One at Home
Among families who choose cremation, we notice that it is more and more common to see one of the loved ones take home the urn containing the ashes of the deceased. This practice, which is permitted in Quebec (there is no law governing the disposal of ashes), has its pros and cons. Here is a brief look at the good and the not-so-good aspects.
The advantages
A transition during the mourning period
Having the urn at home can help loved ones gradually get used to the absence of the deceased, which sometimes causes a lot of distress in everyday life, especially if the deceased lived in the same household or if the death was sudden. After the funeral ceremony or when the first stages of mourning have passed, the urn may be returned to the columbarium or buried, depending on the wishes of the deceased or the family.
In addition, the nearness of the urn helps express personal little secrets and emotions during this difficult period, especially for children. This ensures a serene transition, at one’s own pace.
A decorative object
Far from the austere containers of yesteryear, modern urns come in a variety of models, materials and colours, so they can often be thought of as decorative objects. They are therefore unlikely to create any discomfort for visitors.
If the urns are too large for the space available, you can opt for a reliquary, which is more discreet and unobtrusive.
A personalized place for contemplation
When the urn is kept at home, a personalized altar can be set up to make it a place for contemplation—for example by placing photos, objects that the deceased loved or jewellery that the deceased wore. This type of arrangement in a secluded area has the advantage of limiting the damage caused by children’s comings and goings.
The disadvantages
Discomfort with the presence of ashes
Not everyone is comfortable with the presence of a deceased person’s ashes at home. This can cause nightmares, especially for children, whose understanding of death is still unclear. It is important to ensure that the entire household agrees to accept the ashes.
Extending the grieving process
Some people who are more affected by the death of a loved one may have a somewhat all-too-close relationship with the urn, even going so far as to consider it a living person. This then prevents them from progressing in their grieving process and prolongs it. In such cases, support from a professional can help them gradually detach themselves from the urn.
Lack of a place for contemplation
Keeping the urn at home deprives the deceased’s other family and friends of a place for contemplation. Many of the deceased’s friends may feel the need to speak to the deceased at important times, and they may not feel comfortable asking permission from the urn’s keeper to come and visit.
Risk of breakage or theft
In rare cases, the urn may be broken or damaged in a disaster, or stolen by unscrupulous individuals who then resell it. Storage in a columbarium is therefore ideal to avoid such an unfortunate situation.
Sources
(in French)
https://www.fcfq.coop/chroniques/choisir-apporter-les-cendres-avec-soi-2844/
https://www.gfournier.com/nouvelle?type=4&page=1&id=3071
(in English)
https://store.eirene.ca/blogs/resource-centre/ideas-for-keeping-cremated-remains-at-home
https://www.joincake.com/blog/keeping-cremated-remains-at-home/
https://beyond.life/help-centre/arranging-a-funeral/keeping-ashes-in-the-house/
READ MOREDonate Your Family Archives to a Historical Society
As you sort through your loved one’s belongings, you’re likely to find old black-and-white photos, yellowed birth certificates, announcements or diplomas from the turn of the century. Some boxes of memorabilia contain priceless treasures, but you worry that your closet is not the ideal place to store these treasures from another era.
To remedy this situation, did you know that Quebec historical and genealogical societies can process and store your private archives, free of charge? An archives depository is the ideal solution for preserving these precious family documents that testify to the family, professional and love life of our family members. Historical societies’ archive service includes secure facilities that reduce the negative effects of time and limit the loss of documents.
Definition of an archive
An archival document is a record of what a person or organization did during their lifetime. These document archives can be photos, negatives, slides, postcards, audio tapes (VHS, CDs or DVDs), letters, deeds (such as a bill of sale or a will), drawings, plans, manuscripts, etc.
These documents are essential to understand the history of a region, to better grasp the contribution of its citizens to its development and to define the way of life of an era. With this in mind, archival societies acquire documents in order to safeguard the heritage of their territory, support historical research and facilitate access to heritage and its dissemination. In this way, archives may be consulted by the public, usually for a fee.
Donate your archives
Would you like to donate your family archives to a historical and genealogical society? There are some in every region. The Fédération québécoise des sociétés de généalogie website lists most of these organizations in the province and offers a search tool to find the one closest to your home or to the person who owned the archives.
Societies generally accept all eligible donations and will work with you to determine the terms of access in a “donation agreement”. The archives will be stored according to a strict classification system, in a room that will protect the documents from fire and water damage.
Tips for storing your archives
If you want to keep your personal archives at home, here are some tips to protect them from damage for many years to come.
- Carefully unfold the documents and store them in a binder or cardboard box. If you have large documents, roll them up.
- Avoid using paper clips and staples to keep documents together.
- To identify the back of a document with the date, place and occasion, use a lead pencil.
- Organize your documents by type, then chronologically, and make a list of the documents you have, updating it regularly.
- Store your documents in a dry place, away from light, dust and rodents.
- Scan your photos and documents to make it easier to preserve them and share them with your loved ones. Some archival companies provide scanners or offer a scanning service for the public.
Regardless of how you choose to preserve your personal archives, it is important that your wishes be respected as well as those of the deceased, if applicable. To ensure that your private papers are archived as you wish, you could also include a clause in your will to that effect.
Sources :
https://shghl.ca/trucs-de-conservation/
https://histoiregenealogie.ca/centre-archives/
https://shgmi.ca/centre-darchives/
https://www.federationgenealogie.com/fr/