After many decades occupying a small office in Westmount Public Library, the WHA recently was given the use of more spacious quarters on the second floor of Victoria Hall, the heritage municipal building located nearby. Not only does this new location offer more space for our expanding office activities and archival collection, but it also provides easy access as well as a comfortable and functional environment for our volunteer staff, outside researchers, or other visitors.
Packing and reinstallation of our collections and equipment was carried out by the WHA this past spring, with support from the library director and staff. Organizing the space continued slowly throughout the summer while the building remained mostly closed due to pandemic restrictions.
With the return of classes and other public gatherings in Victoria Hall this September, WHA members are cordially invited to come visit the “Anteroom”, as our new location has long been named. Please contact us at info@wha.quebec to arrange a date and time for a maximum of two visitors together. Vaccine passports and personal i.d. are required for entry to the building, and masks must be worn.
We look forward to seeing you!
Although at the time we told members about the reduction in membership fees for 2021 and suggested that they could renew at the first lecture, we did not realize that we would not be able to hold lectures in the spring and that it may still not be possible to do so this coming fall. However, members who have not renewed for 2021 can do so by clicking on the box in the upper right hand corner of this page. They will then have the option of either printing and mailing a membership application with a cheque or applying online and paying through Paypal with their own credit card. There is a price reduction either way. We need your support!
Westmount recently became the first Quebec municipality to apply the province’s Cultural Heritage Act to the interior of a heritage building. On November 20, 2020, Westmount City Council designated the privately-owned Goode property at 178 Côte St. Antoine Road a heritage property. By-Law 1552 will protect the distinguishing features, both exterior and interior, of this unique property. The 1840s house’s exterior has been protected since the late 1980s, based on its Category 1* classification. Elements of its interior are now also safeguarded by the provincial act which gives municipalities the power to confer protection to sites within their borders. The Goode House landscaping, which is a reflection of 19th century suburban garden design, has also been included in this designation.
Since we have had to curtail our activities during the pandemic, the WHA board of Directors has voted to offer a 50% discount on membership fees for 2021 only. To renew or join (we have changed our membership year to coincide with the calendar year) click on the Membership box in the upper right corner of this page and follow the instructions. You can join or make a donation by using either your credit card or a PayPal account.
Volume 21, Number 2
A printed copy is available free to members, or may be purchased for $5 from the WHA Archives.
To view previous issues of our newsletters please follow the link below.
By joining the Westmount Historical Association, you will be supporting our efforts to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Westmount.
Annual membership provides free admission to our two lectures series on Westmount’s history and heritage, participation in walking tours of Westmount, two issues of the WHA newsletter The Westmount Historian, and access to our Archives. Please note that our membership year now corresponds with the calendar year.
Email us at info@westmounthistorical.org or use the form below