Built by the Congrégation de Notre-Dame in 1710 on land granted to Ville-Marie's major nearly four decades earlier, the Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier is one of the oldest rural stone houses of French inspiration on the island of Montreal. Sitting along the St. Lawrence in Verdun, the building rests atop the island's largest prehistoric archaeological site, with evidence of Indigenous occupation stretching back some 5,500 years. Recognized as a historic monument and classified heritage building by the Quebec government, it now operates as an accredited museum offering a permanent exhibition, guided and audio-guided tours, and a seasonal program of workshops, lectures, concerts, and historical animations. Open from mid-May to mid-October.