Historical
The cheese industry played a very important role in the development of the region and of Quebec. Its history begins with the establishment of the first cheddar cheese factories by Loyalists from the United States. In total, 95% of the production was exported to England.
In the region, the municipality of Saint-Prime alone had 6 cheese factories. The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region was renowned for its quality of production during the Second World War, while other regions of Quebec experienced a decline in artisanal cheesemaking, production increased in the region, and our cheeses were even known under the label, Lake St-John cheese.
The Perron cheese factory was one of the last to export its cheese to England until the early 2000s. The Perron family, active until 2015, is one of the oldest cheesemaking families. The last owner sold his shares in October 2015 to a local dairy cooperative, but the company retains the same name and production process.
Our History
1967
A page of history is turning
Cheese production ceased at the outdated Perron cheese factory. Production was transferred to a larger, more modern factory built next to the old one. Production thus shifted from artisanal to semi-industrial. The old Perron cheese factory was then used as a warehouse.
1985
First step towards development
Albert Perron approached the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to assess the feasibility of creating a cheddar cheese museum in his former cheese factory. He received support from the Ministry and the Municipality of Saint-Prime.
1986
Ethnohistorical study
Albert Perron's participation in a vast ethnological survey which led, the following year, to an important ethnohistorical study on the Perron Cheese Factory carried out by the ethnologist Lise Fournier, from Quebec.
1987
First step in restoration
Formation of a provisional committee with a view to restoring and promoting the century-old cheese factory.
1989
Attribution of national status
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, recognizing the historical and heritage value of the building and its old equipment, assigns it the status of national cultural property and classifies the cheese factory as a historical monument.
February 12, 1990
Incorporation of the organism
The Corporation of the old Perron cheese factory of Saint-Prime is duly constituted and receives its letters patent on December 2, 1990.
June 1991
Highlighting
A second document concerning the interpretation and enhancement of the old Perron cheese factory was submitted to the Corporation and the Municipality by ethnologist Lise Fournier, with very encouraging conclusions.
April 9, 1992
Signing of the deed of gift
Albert Perron donated the old cheese factory, its equipment, and the land to the Corporation by notarial deed. Work began on the building's restoration, and an interpretive project was launched. In July, thanks to the tenacity of the Corporation's members and the financial support of its partners, the Cheddar Cheese Museum opened its doors to the public. Exterior restoration work (phase 1) began in December of the same year.
1994
The museum stands out at the Regional Tourism Awards
The Museum wins the Grand Prix for Regional Tourism in the "innovation" category.
1995
Family furniture search
The Corporation is undertaking a search to recover some furniture that belonged to the Perron family.
1999
Opening of the cheesemaker's lodge
The Perron family home can now be visited.
2002
We are celebrating the museum's 10th anniversary
The Cheddar Cheese Museum is celebrating its tenth anniversary in grand style, demonstrating its vitality and deep desire for continuity.
2003
Initial restructuring of services
Implementation of rental improvements, marketing and strategic development work, installation of locked bicycle lockers at the rear and redesign of the video presenting modern cheese-making techniques.
2005
School program and recording of the Perron collection
Implementation of a new school program and hiring of a museum curator to complete the documentation of the Corporation's museum collection.
2009
Improvement of the exhibition presentation
Enhancement of the permanent exhibition "Gestures and Hours". Project carried out with the museology firm Bergeron Gagnon.
2010
The museum has once again distinguished itself at the Regional Tourism Awards
Implementation of a new school program and hiring of a museum curator to complete the documentation of the Corporation's museum collection.
2012
Implementation of a new mediation concept.
Creation of a preliminary concept for a new permanent exhibition "From Perron to Perron, 125 years of history".
2013
The museum is being expanded and its name is being changed.
Implementation of the Museum expansion plans and commencement of work on the new exhibition format. The Cheddar Cheese Museum has been renamed the La vieille fromagerie Perron Museum.
2014
Launch of the new look of the La vieille fromagerie Perron Museum
Launch of new educational workshops, completion of expansion work, fitting out of the new reception area and souvenir shop.
2015
The museum stands out at the Quebec Museums Society Awards.
Through its new presentation of the exhibition as well as the cheese-making workshop, the Musée La vieille fromagerie Perron is a recipient of the Grand Prix Excellence from the Société des musées du Québec.
2017
A new brand image
Following a marketing study, the museum has adopted a new marketing image.
2020
Museum temporarily closed
The year 2020 will forever be etched in our memories, as we were struck by a global pandemic. Due to restrictive public health measures, the museum has been forced to cancel its 2020 tourist season.
2021
Reorganization of our services
Toujours dans l’air d’aller de la pandémie et afin de ne pas se voir obligés d’annuler une seconde saison touristique, l’organisation du musée procède à la réalisation d’un audioguide permettant d’offrir des visites autonomes aux visiteurs, tout en procédant à la refonte du site internet afin d’y introduire l’audioguide. L’organisme prépare déjà la saison 2022 et travaille à prendre un virage numérique important. Crédit photo: jukeboxenligne.com
2022
On the road to 2022
The Musée la vieille fromagerie Perron has just acquired the presbytery and Saint-Prime and its old grain shed which has great heritage value and which will be a new exhibition space just a few meters from the museum.
2025
New exhibition: "Through time".
The museum is proud to present its brand new exhibition: "Through Time". This exhibition showcases the traditional textile skills that were part of the daily lives of rural families in the past.