80 years of history and archives at the Montréal Botanical Garden : Historical Path [Jardin botanique de Montréal]

Marsh and Bog Garden

A school for youngsters

Right from the Botanical Garden's beginnings, Brother Marie-Victorin was keen to offer a wide variety of educational activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

For instance, he encouraged his tireless co-worker from the Botanical Institute, Marcelle Gauvreau (1907-1968), in her efforts to establish a school to introduce youngsters ages four to seven to the natural sciences. The school opened in 1935 and moved to the Botanical Garden in 1939.

Jardin botanique de Montréal (Archives)
Description

Jardin botanique de Montréal (Archives)

A class visiting the Marsh and Bog Garden.

The school for youngsters remained at the Botanical Garden until 1957. Groups of up to 150 students at a time enjoyed one hour of fun and learning each week.

Jardin botanique de Montr?al (Archives)

In addition to lessons, the students also enjoyed outings to the countryside.

Here we see Director Marcelle Gauvreau, megaphone in hand, sharing her enthusiasm.