ABSTRACT

Grave Matters: Mapping the Untold Stories of the 
Saint-Colomban Cemetery

Kelley O’Rourke

This research undertakes a deep exploration of the Saint-Colomban cemetery in Québec, aiming to unveil the hidden stories within its burial grounds. While the first settlers arrived from Ireland as early as 1819, my primary focus centers on the years 1836–1847, mirroring the establishment of Saint-Colomban Parish and Cemetery in 1836. The primary objective is to bridge historical gaps in the Irish diaspora, spotlighting the significance of these absent markers in shaping the cultural narrative of the Irish community within the Saint-Colomban cemetery. Specifically, the research seeks to identify missing names using parish records, exploration of broken gravestones, undecipherable markings and meanings behind some of the epitaphs. Through this detailed research approach, preservation challenges encountered during the research process emerged as crucial elements, contributing essential insights to the broader historical picture. By incorporating oral histories from descendants, this study not only breathes life into the cemetery's historical narrative but also uncovers personal stories overlooked in traditional historical accounts. Through the combination of visual representations such as existing headstones and parish records, interviews with descendants, and mapping the cemetery layout, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the missing monuments, their cultural significance, and the preservation challenges encountered with their discovery. This research goes beyond the surface, to uncover the missing monuments and their hidden stories, offering a meaningful perspective on the Irish diaspora in Canada. The focus on uncovering these gaps in history not only enriches our understanding of the past but also paves the way for a more inclusive and complete narrative of the Irish community in the Saint-Colomban parish.