The Fort Saint-Jean Museum in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu hosted an exciting weekend August 15th to 17th to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American invasion of Canada, orchestrated by Irishman Richard Montgomery. Visitors to the fort were able to fully immerse themselves in history through historical recreations of battle scenes, camp life, and the daily struggles faced by eighteenth-century Quebecers. Katherine Diamond (CIMPN Project Manager / Grant Coordinator / Researcher) attended the activities with utmost interest as her current graduate studies focus on Montgomery.

Though Montgomery was an Irishman by birth, his dedication to the Patriot cause in the United States of America led to achieve the rank of Major General. However, his inability to seize Fort Saint-Jean in a timely manner in the summer of 1775 sealed his fate and ultimately made history. His attempt to capture the city of Québec was delayed until December 1775, and in this battle, he perished, and Québec maintained its freedom. Fort Saint-Jean, though not often discussed, is an extremely important historical site in colonial Canadian history and Irish history alike.