July 17, 2007

Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace

Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace in New London, Prince Edward Island, Canada, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace is a historical museum located in New London, Prince Edward Island.

L.M. Montgomery was born in this house on November 30, 1874. Her parents, Hugh and Clara Montgomery, lived here after their marriage and during L.M. Montgomery’s infancy. Sadly, Clara died of tuberculosis when L.M. Montgomery was just 21 months old. After her mother’s death, L.M. Montgomery was raised by her maternal grandparents, Alexander and Lucy Macneill, in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.

At the time of L.M. Montgomery’s birth, the town of New London was called Clifton. Her birthplace overlooks the New London Harbour and sand dunes, which feature in Montgomery's writings. L.M. Montgomery described her first home in her journals as a yellowish-brown house, but it is currently painted white and green, similar to Green Gables.

The house is now a small museum where visitors can explore Montgomery's first home, including the bedroom she was born in (shown below).

The bedroom where Clara Montgomery gave birth to her daughter Lucy Maud Montgomery at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace in New London, Prince Edward Island, Canada, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

The house has been furnished with non-original Victorian pieces to give visitors a sense of what the home might have looked like at the time of Montgomery’s birth. There are quilts, flowers made from human hair, and a stove and cooking utensils from the time period.

The special exhibits include a replica of L.M. Montgomery's wedding dress, veil, and shoes from her marriage to Ewen MacDonald.

Photograph of a replica of L.M. Montgomery's wedding gown and accessories at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace in New London, Prince Edward Island, Canada, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace also displays her personal scrapbooks from the time when she was a student at Prince of Wales College and from her years as a teacher and writer. The scrapbooks contain copies of her stories and poems, mementos, and personal treasures that she saved.

Photograph of L.M. Montgomery's scrapbooks at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace in New London, Prince Edward Island, Canada, photograph copyright World of Anne Shirley

Throughout the museum, there are articles, rare books, dolls, press clippings, photos and memorabilia related to L.M. Montgomery’s life and legacy.

Official Website:
Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace

Location:
Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace
6461 PE-20, New London, PE C0A 1M0, Canada. At the intersection of Routes 6 and 20.

Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.

Created July 17, 2007. Last updated June 25, 2024.
© worldofanneshirley.com

Post a Comment