Telling stories of the people of Isle Madame
The Isle Madame Historical Society is a non-profit organization devoted to collecting and presenting the rich history of the area. They have a proud history and heritage which dates back over two centuries. It is believed the island was named in honor of Madame De Maintenon, the second wife of Louis XIV. The first permanent settlement dates back to 1713. Isle Madame is an island located at the southern-most tip of beautiful Cape Breton Island and is made up of several small communities.
The Isle Madame Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit artifacts and documents relating to the social, cultural and natural history of Isle Madame for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
The LeNoir Forge, a Nova Scotia Provincial Heritage Building, long associated with the LeNoir family, was built before 1826. During this period, shipbuilding and repair was flourishing on Isle Madame. The forge produced materials that were used in this industry and by the end of the 19th century the heyday of wooden sailing ships dwindled, the forge eventually fell into disrepair.
The Isle Madame Board of Trade took on the sponsorship to restore this stone building as a 1967 centennial and municipal project. The forge is a one and half story structure of Acadian proportions.
The LeNoir Forge Museum houses a working forge operated by volunteers, and a collection of tools and artifacts that tell some of the stories of the people of Isle Madame.
