Jeanne Mance – Life of a Builder

In honour of the 420th anniversary of Jeanne Mance’s birth, this commemorative display takes you through the life of this exceptional woman who played a much greater role in the founding of Montréal than many people think.

Jeanna Mance: A key figure in Ville-Marie’s governance

More than just a nurse, this founder of the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal was a dedicated administrator with an active hand in decisions about Ville-Marie’s resources, finances, and development. A resilient woman with a keen sense of strategy, she crossed the Atlantic seven times to raise money and recruit settlers to the fledgling colony.

From Champagne to Montréal

Born in Langres, in the Champagne region, Jeanne Mance came to New France in 1641 to help found Ville-Marie. In fact, her story highlights the deep ties between New France and Champagne, as she was just one of many people from this region who helped found Montréal.

Historical objects, artifacts related to the Atlantic crossings, and contemporary artworks all take us on a journey in Jeanne Mance’s footsteps to discover her legacy and how it continues to impact Montréal’s heritage today.