Project Background

The École du rang 2 d’Authier, which welcomed students from 1937 to 1958, stands as one of the last remaining heritage sites in the Abitibi-Ouest RCM. Following extensive renovations, it was converted into a museum in 1982. Each summer, it hosts guided tours and historically themed programming. Its architectural value also makes it a notable example of rural Québec schoolhouses built between 1899 and 1964. In 2024, La bande à Paul was commissioned to further deepen the site's historical authenticity.

Key Features and Challenges

Enhancing the authenticity of an already storied site posed a fascinating creative challenge. The team opted for a series of deliberate, sensitive interventions: relocating the welcome area and gift shop outside the schoolhouse, refining the artifact curation and display, and discreetly introducing new interactive features aligned with the spirit of the place. A permanent outdoor exhibition tracing the history of one-room schoolhouses was also added, enriching the overall visitor journey. Together, these enhancements elevate the site’s interpretive impact and invite guests on a poignant journey through time.