EXHIBITION - CHUTE-HEMMINGS POWER PLANT: THE POWER OF WATER
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the construction and commissioning of the Chute-Hemmings power plant by Southern Canada Power (SCP) in Drummondville. The plant played a key role in the development of our city. It is largely thanks to the plant that the textile industry took root so strongly in Drummondville. The plant was at the heart of the economic boom of the 1920s to 1950s, which gave the young city an impressive growth spurt. The natural flow of the Saint-François River, conducive to hydroelectric development, is thus the source of our prosperity. That is why theSociété d'histoire de Drummond is proud to celebrate this anniversary by offering you an exhibition, presented by the Caisse Desjardins de Drummondville, which highlights the history of this development, from its construction to the present day.
Date: June 19 to December 14, 2025
Location: Musée de la photographie Desjardins (400 Heriot Street, Drummondville, QC J2B 1B3)
Admission:
- General admission: $15
- Students and seniors 65 and over: $10
- 12 and under: Free
- Did you know?
- When you present your Accès Loisirs card or proof of membership in the Caisse Desjardins de Drummondville, you get 50% off your admission!
GUIDED TOURS - DISCOVERY TOUR
Led by a guide, the Discovery Tour allows you to learn more about the history of Drummondville through archival photos and a wealth of valuable historical information. Passing through twelve significant locations, the tour ends with a complete visit to the interior of St. George's Church and its cemetery, one of the oldest in the region.
Dates: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (June 18 to September 6, 2025)
Times: Departure at 3:30 p.m. (Reservations required via email: https://histoiredrummond.com/activite/parcours-des-decouvertes/)
Location: Departure at the corner of Heriot and Pont streets (Place La Roche-sur-Yon)
Duration: Approximately 105 minutes
Price: Free
GUIDED TOURS - MYSTERIES TOUR
During the Mysteries Tour, you will have the opportunity to learn more about some of Drummondville's lesser-known stories in the company of a guide-facilitator. News items, incidents, rumors, and sordid stories will be presented to you through a newspaper filled with surprising headlines. This tour is recommended for people aged 13 and over.
Dates: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (June 18 to September 6, 2025)
Times: Departure at 6:30 p.m. (Reservations required via email: https://histoiredrummond.com/activite/parcours-des-mysteres/)
Location: Departure from Saint-Frédéric Park at the corner of Heriot and Marchand Streets
Duration: Approximately 75 to 90 minutes
Price: Free
EXHIBITION - WATER, THREAD OF TIME... FROM THE RIVER EMERGES A CITY
Let yourself be carried away by the flow of history with the exhibition “Water, Thread of Time... From the River Emerges a City.” In the blink of an eye, this permanent exhibition at the Société d'histoire de Drummond (SHD) offers you an overview of the history of Drummondville, with the Saint-François River as its central theme.
You will be transported from the ancestral origins where the river was called Alsig8ntegkw, then in the heart of the W8banaki territory, to the milestones that saw the agromilitary colony take root and evolve into a thriving industrial center. Powered by water energy and railway connections, discover the challenges and transformations that shaped Drummondville, from its golden age of textiles to the diversification strategies that led to its current status as a metropolitan area. This is an invitation to learn more about your history and the connection between our river and the city.
The SHD would like to express its sincere gratitude to its valued partners who made this project possible: Caisse Desjardins de Drummondville, City of Drummondville, MRC de Drummond, and Bibliothèque et archives nationales du Québec. Their generous support was essential in bringing this important part of local history to life.
Date: Starting April 15, 2025 (Permanent exhibition)
Location: Société d'histoire de Drummond (425 des Forges Street, Drummondville, QC J2B 0G4)
GEOCACHING TRAIL - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PAST
Have you ever dreamed of combining the excitement of a treasure hunt with the discovery of the secrets of our local history? The Société d'histoire de Drummond (SHD) invites you to enjoy a unique experience with its new historical geocaching trail, “In the Footsteps of the Past”!
On the Trail of the Past is much more than just an outdoor activity. It's an invitation to explore the hidden treasures of the Drummond MRC through a geocaching trail specially designed for history and adventure enthusiasts. Discover 19 historic sites spread across five municipalities—Drummondville, L'Avenir, Saint-Germain-Grantham, Saint-Cyrille-de-Wendover, and Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil—and be amazed by the richness of our heritage.
Click here to start the trail!
This activity is presented by the Société d'histoire de Drummond as part of the MRC de Drummond's 2024 Cultural Fund.
Price: Free
Duration: Variable