McCord, David Ross National Historic Person
Montréal, Quebec
Mr. David Ross McCord, Montreal, QC. 1862
(© William Notman / McCord Museum// Musée McCord)
Address :
2175 Victoria Street, Montréal, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2000-03-28
Life Date:
1844 to 1930
Other Name(s):
-
McCord, David Ross
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
1999-059
Importance:
Created one of the earliest and most important collections of artifacts associated with the human history of Canada
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 2175 Victoria Street, Montréal, Quebec
Son of a prestigious Montréal family, David McCord created one of the earliest and most important collections of objects, images and manuscripts associated with the history of Canada. Convinced that an understanding of the past strengthens national identity, he devoted most of his life and personal fortune to gathering and documenting some 15,000 items related to Aboriginal, French and British history in North America. This man of vision bequeathed his outstanding collection to McGill University, which fulfilled his dream of founding a museum for the benefit of all Canadians.