Géo-visualiser les patrimoines de Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve

Atelier d’histoire Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Montreal, Quebec

The Géo-visualiser les patrimoines de Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve (Geo-visualizing the Heritage of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) project is the culmination of a vast digital undertaking by the Atelier d’histoire Mercier–Hochelaga–Maisonneuve. Working in partnership with the Montreal History and Heritage Laboratory at UQAM, and using the SCHEMA platform, it showcases some 2,800 archival photographs, mainly donated by citizens and businesses that have shaped the neighbourhood’s history.

Throughout the process, dedicated volunteers contributed at every stage — digitizing, categorizing, and describing the images. The catalogue reveals the vibrant heart of this Montreal borough, from family celebrations and children’s laughter to moments of struggle and solidarity, painting a vivid portrait of a community in action.

In turn, users are encouraged to add to the collective memory by suggesting new information about the images. Despite limited resources, the Atelier d’histoire has shown remarkable creativity and ingenuity, repurposing an e-commerce platform to design a free, efficient, and reusable tool that has become a source of inspiration for other historical societies.

Through this project, the Atelier actively mobilized the community, democratized access to invaluable iconography, and highlighted intangible heritage elements, breathing new life into little-known or forgotten stories of a Montreal working-class neighbourhood whose collective identity continues to inspire and unite.