By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) is marking its 25th anniversary by turning the spotlight on the people and institutions that have preserved the province’s English-speaking heritage. The 2025 Heritage Talks series, organized by QAHN Digital Media Specialist Glenn Patterson, will showcase stories of dedicated individuals who built and sustained local museums, archives, and historical societies.
“The impetus for the series is it’s QAHN’s 25th anniversary,” Patterson explained in a Jan. 31 interview. “We are a network of members. The realization basically is that, as much as QAHN has its origin story, so does every other organization. Because we’re a network of members, we just wanted to put the spotlight on them. What are the stories of the people involved?”
This year’s lineup of talks highlights a range of preservation efforts, from military history to Irish heritage, Black community development, and grassroots conservation projects. The series is available via Zoom and Facebook Live, with some in-person events at heritage venues across Quebec.
Stories behind heritage institutions
One of the upcoming talks focuses on the Baie-des-Chaleurs Military Museum in New Richmond, presented by Executive Director Tom Eden. Eden will delve into the origins of the museum, its key exhibits, and how it preserves the military history of the Gaspé region. Patterson described the museum’s role, explaining how it highlights “local contributions to national defence, as well as the experiences of those who served.”
Another session will explore the story of Phoebe Hyde, a woman who envisioned turning her family’s ancestral home in Hudson into a museum. The Greenwood Centre for Living History now stands as a testament to her lifelong dedication. Historian Karen Molson will share Hyde’s story, drawing from personal anecdotes and archival research.