About the Archive - New France Architectural Heritage

Preserving French Colonial Architecture

New France Architectural Heritage is a digital archive for documenting and sharing knowledge about French colonial buildings in North America. We aim to bridge historical research with practical conservation.

Created to centralize records of New France's unique architecture, the archive gives researchers, architects, planners, and the public access to technical drawings, construction details, and historical analysis from three centuries of building.

Working with academic and heritage groups, we keep this architectural knowledge available for the future and support preservation work in Quebec and beyond.

Archive team reviewing historical architectural documents

Our Research Team

Specialists in French colonial architecture and heritage preservation

Dr. Élise Thibault

Director of Archives

PhD in Architectural History from Université Laval, specializing in French colonial building. Former curator at the Musée de la civilisation, Dr. Thibault has 15 years in heritage documentation and planning.

Marc-André Fortin

Senior Heritage Documentarian

A master stonemason trained with the Compagnons du Devoir and a licensed architect specializing in traditional methods. Marc-André's hands-on skill and academic knowledge shape our technical standards.

Sophie Lefebvre

Archival Linguist & Translator

Specialist in 17th-18th century French handwriting, with training in archival analysis. Sophie accurately transcribes and translates historical construction documents, contracts, and specs.

Academic & Institutional Partnerships

Collaborative work supporting heritage documentation

Archives nationales du Québec

Our main partner for digitizing historical construction documents, land grants, and surveyor records from the French colonial period. This gives access to over 15,000 documents from 1634-1760.

Commission de la capitale nationale

We provide technical advice for heritage restoration projects in Old Quebec, helping with conservation plans, material specs, and period-appropriate techniques.

Université Laval - École d'architecture

Research collaboration supporting graduate studies in heritage architecture and traditional building techniques. Students contribute to documentation efforts while gaining hands-on experience with archival research methods.

Professional Recognition

Feedback from heritage professionals and academic institutions

"As a third-generation restorer in Vieux-Québec, the technical drawings in the Materials archive were invaluable for our work on a 1740s maison in Montmorency Park. The detailed construction specifications helped us maintain historical accuracy while meeting modern structural requirements. This is a national treasure."

Gabriel Chevrier
Chevrier & Fils Restauration, Québec City

"Our university course on North American Colonial Urban Planning uses the interactive seigneurial maps extensively. The combination of historical accuracy with modern digital presentation brings theoretical concepts to life for students. An essential educational resource."

Prof. Arjun Mehta
Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal

"Tracing my ancestor's home in Trois-Rivières was made possible through the land grant documents digitized in this archive. The genealogical research tools and historical context provided a profound connection to our family's past in New France."

Marie-Claude Desjardins
Professional Genealogist, Gatineau

"The technical documentation of Vaubanian fortification principles has been essential for our UNESCO World Heritage Site management planning. The archive provides the scholarly foundation needed for informed conservation decisions."

Catherine Bolduc
Heritage Planner, Ville de Québec

Archive Access & Services

The New France Architectural Heritage archive operates both as a digital repository and physical research facility. Our comprehensive collection serves multiple user communities including academic researchers, heritage professionals, architects, and genealogists.

Digital Archive Access

Available 24/7 through our online portal, the digital archive provides searchable access to thousands of documents, architectural drawings, photographs, and interactive maps. Advanced filtering tools enable researchers to locate specific information by date, location, building type, or construction technique.

Physical Archive Access

In-person research appointments are available Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST. Our reading room accommodates up to 12 researchers and provides access to original documents, rare books, and specialized reference materials not available in digital format.

The physical archive reading room is located at 10 Rue Donnacona, Québec, QC, in the heart of the historic Petit-Champlain district. All correspondence and business operations are handled through our administrative office in Vancouver.

Researchers working in the archive reading room

Professional Services

Specialized heritage consultation and research services

Historical Fabric Analysis

Comprehensive on-site assessment of building materials, construction techniques, and chronological layering to establish heritage value and inform conservation planning. Our analysis includes detailed documentation of traditional joinery, masonry techniques, and material provenance.

Archival Research Services

Comprehensive search of historical maps, deeds, construction contracts, and architectural plans to inform period-accurate restoration projects. Research includes genealogical investigation of original builders and craftsmen.

Conservation Methodology

Preparation of technical reports outlining appropriate preservation techniques for traditional masonry, timber framing, and historic finishes. Recommendations based on historical precedent and proven conservation practices.