The Papineau Family preserved within this fonds were extremely connected and influential in the political, legal, social and civil environment of Quebec and Ontario starting from the early nineteenth century. Papineau family members are responsible for civil constructions such as the Montreal Polytechnique School and the Lachine Canal. The Papineau Family was connected by marriage to many other influential families in French Canada, most notably the Trudeaus, Mackays, Cherriers and Bourassas.
The Papineau Family settled in Lower Canada in the 17th century. Joseph Papineau (1752-1841) was born in Montreal and was granted a seigneury in nearby Montebello. Two of Joseph’s sons, Louis-Joseph (1786-1871) and Denis-Benjamin (1789-1854), would become important political figures: Louis-Joseph led the Patriote movement, while Denis-Benjamin served as the joint premier of the Province of Canada after the unification of Upper and Lower Canada. This fonds comprises personal and professional papers of Louis-Joseph and Denis-Benjamin Papineau, their children, and their grandchildren, as well as related family members. Conspicuous persons include Louis-Joseph-Amédée (1819-1903), Auguste-Cyrille (1828-1915), Casimir-Fidèle (1826-1892), and Louis-Gustave (1855-1931, son of Auguste-Cyrille).