Restoration – The Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel

Since 1984, the restoration of the former Notre-Dame du Mont-Carmel and its adjacent structures that encompass today’s Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel has been a journey of both highs and lows; one that has encountered the most marvelous surprises as well as a myriad of unexpected challenges.

Unveiling these structures to their original states when they were first constructed has been the primary objective of the restoration project. These structures principally include the following: the interior and exterior of the main church building (e.g., central nave, side aisles, bell-towers), the sacristy – which also served as the chapel, and the rectory (presbytère).

All modifications and additions that have been made to these structures that which are not original are surveyed and subsequently removed to unveil the hidden layers that are genuine. The Musée’s Director, Joseph Donald Cyr, and the institution’s Chief Conservator, Terry Helms, orchestrate these efforts – both past and ongoing.

The Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel is committed to ensuring all restoration processes are conducted carefully and methodically, adhere to proper channels of endorsement, and abide to the Historic Preservation Standards of the Secretary of the Interior and the standards of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. The Musée’s parent organization, the Association culturelle et historique du Mont-Carmel and its respective Board Members, approve any and all measures where necessary.

The institution further complies with standards that assure the safety and comfort of its visitors and workforce without compromising the historical integrity of its structures.

We bestow our heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals and agencies who have, and continue to, become directly involved with or otherwise contribute to the restoration of this magnificent site. We would not be where we are now without you.