Le Typhus and the Irish Famine: Memorial, Memory, and the Science of Remembrance

The iconic painting Le Typhus, the only known contemporary image of the 1847 crisis in Montreal, will soon leave its place in Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel after more than a century to undergo restoration. Depicting both the anonymous famine and typhus victims and the religious orders who cared for them, this rare artwork offers a poignant window into one of Montreal’s most tragic chapters.

The Monument irlandais de Montréal is collaborating with the Site Historique Marguerite-Bourgeoys to give this work a meaningful send-off and to share the latest historical, archaeological, and DNA research that is shedding light on the more than 6,000 victims buried in a mass grave in Pointe-Saint-Charles.

All Weekend September 5–7

Explore the story of Le Typhus and the 1847 typhus epidemic / famine refugee crisis through exhibits and presentations, and learn how science and history together are helping to restore the names and stories of those lost.

Saturday, September 6 - BOOKING BELOW

4:00 PM : Historical Panel: Irish famine refugees in Montreal, with historians, archaeologists, and other experts, including new insights from archaeological and DNA studies. Followed by an audience Q&A.

5:00–7:00 PM : Cocktail reception

Sunday, September 7 – 4:00 PM
Themed Mass with special Irish musical guests. A moment to reflect on the faith and compassion of Montreal’s religious orders, who risked their lives to care for sick famine refugees.