Matthew Farfan



Stanstead may soon be home to a new museum, one devoted to the history of the granite industry in the community. In the works for over a year now, the museum would share space with a commercial granite promotion centre, which would showcase the products of local granite companies. Known collectively as the Granite Exhibit and Museum of Stanstead (GEMS), the complex would occupy the former IGA building in downtown Stanstead (Rock Island).

According to an information bulletin recently mailed out to local businesses, the mission of the new centre will be threefold: "to honour the past of the manufacturing community of the border region; to promote the work of local manufacturers of the present ; and to help ensure a prosperous future for generations to come."

Promoters David Bourgon and Sandra Bergeron have assembled a committee of volunteers, many of them with ties to the local granite industry, to help organize the museum side of the operation, and to coordinate exhibitions. The committee is currently looking for artifacts, photographs, and early documentation on the granite industry in the area. Those who would like to get involved, or who have something to contribute, are encouraged to do so.

The granite museum has received a number of donations in cash and equipment from different organizations, including the MRC de Memphrémagog, the Town of Stanstead, the local business association, the Colby-Curtis Museum, and local businesses and individuals. Local tourism operators are also supporting the initiative.

For more information on the planned museum, call (819) 876-5921.
Or visit the website of the Granite Exhibit and Museum of Stanstead, at: http://www.stansteadgranite.org