The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has added 19 newspapers and magazines to its digital collection of publications, including the oldest, Le magasin de Québec – The Quebec magazine, that dates back to the 18th century.
* = English publication.
Journal of Education for Lower Canada, 1857-1879*
Published monthly by the Department of Education. While I don’t expect to find any of my ancestors’ names in this journal, I plan to take a closer look at some of the issues to learn more about attitudes toward education during the period of publication.
Journal de l’instruction publique pour le Bas-Canada, 1857-1879
This is the French version of the above Journal of Education for Lower Canada.
Le Jardin littéraire illustré, 1898 (Illustrated Literary Garden)
This bi-monthly periodical published French literary works of the “rich and poor.”
The Montreal museum, or Journal of literature and arts, 1832-1834*
These journals offer literary works and essays. In some cases, you will gain a bit of insight into what people thought about marriage and a woman’s place. Two journals have been digitized.
The Scribbler, 1821-1827*
A series of weekly essays published in Montreal on literary, critical, satirical, moral, and local subjects.
Le Journal de Québec, 1842-1889
This Quebec City newspaper was published frequently, perhaps daily. Most of the news published is primarily from international sources. If your ancestor managed a business in the city, you may find a published ad. For example, in the May 13, 1862 edition, J. Maguire published a brief notice about his plumbing business. Most of the ads are placed by French-speaking residents.
Le Foyer canadien, 1863-1866 (Canadian Home)
Each annual 400-page issue contains a collection of literary and historical essays and poems that were not published elsewhere. Its purpose was to gather together and preserve Quebec writings. You will find the table of contents toward the end of the publication.
L’Abeille canadienne, 1818-1819 (The Canadian Bee)
A monthly literature and science journal.
Magasin du Bas-Canada, 1832
A monthly Lower Canada (Bas-Canada) literature and science magazine.
The Quebec magazine — Le magasin de Québec, 1792-1794*
“The Quebec (City) magazine, or Useful and entertaining repository of science, morals, history, politics, etc., particularly adapted for the use of British America by a society of gentlemen in Quebec.” A bilingual monthly publication.
La Quête, 1995-2009 (The Quest)
This bi-monthly magazine is a street publication out of Quebec City, often distributed by people in difficult circumstances. Articles about freedom, hunger, addiction, homelessness.
The Snow Drop, or Juvenile Magazine, 1847-1853*
This monthly magazine contains stories written for children.
Le Canada musical, 1866-1881
A monthly artistic and literary magazine.
Bulletin des recherches historiques, 1895-1968 (Historical Research Bulletin)
A monthly magazine about history, archaeology, and biographies.
Le Coin du feu, 1893-1896 (The Fireside)
A monthly women’s magazine.
Le Théâtre, 1903
“The only French theatrical newspaper in America.” Published in Montreal. Three issues digitized from October 1903.
Le Canada Français, 1893-1958
A local newspaper published in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. News about the comings and goings of residents usually found on the last page.
La Vérité, 1881-1923 (Truth)
A weekly newspaper published in Quebec City about local, regional and international news. A few local ads published on the last page.
Le Nationaliste (1904-1922) (The Nationalist)
“Written by the best journalists of the time, young and combative, the Nationalist is concerned with all the political struggles and blames all powers.” This French-language weekly newspaper, published on Sundays, was a voice for the Ligue nationaliste, a nationalist movement in Quebec. It was founded by journalist Olivar Asselin, journalist and politician Henri Bourassa, and others. Le Nationaliste merged with Le Devoir in 1922.
How to view digitized publications
After clicking on a link to a publication, choose the year and month that interests you. A thumbnail image or series of thumbnails will apear. Click on one of them and then scroll down to see the large image. From there, you can browse the publication by clicking on the down and up arrows. To increase the image to full-screen size, click on Affichage plein écran at the top right of the large image.
