DATE FOUNDED:
1998

MISSION:
Les Amis du patrimoine is a small but dedicated group of volunteers and donors in Saint-Venant, population 111 -- the smallest municipality in the Coaticook MRC. Their mission consists of the following: to protect and enhance the natural, historic, and cultural heritage of the village of Saint-Venant; to promote the work of Quebec poets; to maintain the village church as a dynamic place, and to preserve and promote its history and treasures; to provide both the community and visitors with a place for inspiration and appreciation for history and for nature; and to offer the public a venue for popular shows and classical concerts.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
a) Église-Musée Saint-Venant-de-Paquette (1877-1897). Purchased by Les Amis du patrimoine in 1998, this architectural gem is today both a functioning church and a museum. The balcony floor, the only one in Quebec to circle the entire church, serves as the museum, and features a permanent exhibition on the architecture and religious artifacts of the church. The church is also remarkable for the fact that its interior is made up entirely of varnished woodwork. Never painted or remodelled, it retains its original beauty. Masses are celebrated in the church at 10:30 a.m., from the first Sunday in May to the first Sunday after Labour Day, and on major Church holidays.
b) Maison de l'arbre. This pavilion contains the administrative offices, a small café, a boutique, as well as a permanent exhibition on forests. Outside there are picnic tables.
c) Le Sentier poétique. A network of landscaped walking trails in the vicinity of the Church-Museum that celebrate the poetry of Quebec's poets. Visitors will discover sculpture, gardens, waterfalls, and places to contemplate the surroundings. 11 trails are open or in development.
d) Catholic Cemetery. The association maintains and has a long-term lease on this cemetery, adjacent to the church.

COLLECTIONS:
Religious objects and documents from Saint-Venant Church.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:
Guided tours (summer only). Self-guided tours (other times of year). Concerts, plays, and conferences during summer. Walking trails (Sentier poétique). Educational programme (in development).

Saint-Venant, un vaisseau dans les brumes (reg. edition): $35.00

Saint-Venant, un vaisseau dans les brumes
($125.00 de luxe edition, signed, numbered, with tax receipt for $100.00)

Paquetteville/St-Venant 1862-1987: $45.00

Au-delà des divergeances, histoire de la caisse populaire de Paquetteville 1907-1974: $5.00

BUSINESS HOURS:
Patriotes Day to Thanksgiving:
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ENTRY FEES / MEMBERSHIP:
Individual: $5.00
Children 12 or under: Free
Groups in bus: $4.00 each
School groups: $4.00 each
Annual membership: $10.00

LANGUAGE OF SERVICE:
French.

HOW TO REACH US:
Address: 12 ch. Du Village, Saint-Venant-de-Paquette, QC, J0B 1S0.
Tel./Fax: (819) 658-1064
Email: amisdupatrimoine@moncanoe.com

WEB SITE:
www.amisdupatrimoine.qc.ca