DATE FOUNDED:
1992

MISSION:
In the 19th century, the Richmond-Melbourne area was home to the largest concentration of slate quarries in Canada. The mission of this "slate interpretation centre" is to promote the important slate heritage of the St. Francis Valley.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
a) The Centre is housed in the former Presbyterian Church (1889), in the heart of historic Melbourne, now a part of Richmond. Like other buildings in the vicinity, the building still has its original slate roof, making it an integral part of the "exhibition." Exhibitions are housed on the main floor of the building.

b) The Art-doise Boutique features slate in its many forms.

COLLECTIONS:
Artifacts made of local slate. Tools and equipment for working slate in local quarries. Documentation on the early slate industry in the region. The Centre is computerizing its collections on the database of the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN).

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Guided tours. Educational programming (class visits). Permanent and thematic exhibitions. The Centre also conducts special guided tours of local heritage buildings with slate roofs (by reservation only; please inquire for details).

PUBLICATIONS :
Ardoise et patrimoine (1993) : 4,95$
Slate and Heritage (1998) : 4,95$
Life in the Slate Village of New Rockland (1999) : 7$
La Route de l'ardoise (carte) : 2$
Les Toitures d'ardoise : un patrimoine à conserver. Vidéo (1994) : 20$
La Couverture (Bulletin gratuit pour les membres).

BUSINESS HOURS:
June 24-Labour Day: Every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At other times: By reservation.

ENTRY FEES / MEMBERSHIP:
General admission: $6.00. Students: $4.00. Children (6 and under): Free. Family: $14.00. Group rates available.
Special heritage tours: $4.00 each (by reservation only).
Annual membership: $25.00. Entry is free for members.

LANGUAGE OF SERVICE:
French / English (English-speaking guides by reservation only).

HOW TO REACH US:
Address: 5 Belmont, Richmond, QC, J0B 2H0.
Tel: (819) 826-3313.
Fax: (819) 826-5757.
Email: ardoise@globetrotter.net

WEB SITE:
www.centreardoise.ca 

OTHER INFORMATION:
The Centre was awarded a Grand prix du Tourisme Québécois 2000 - (Attrait touristique, 100,000 visiteurs et moins).