Hello, my name is Mary Robertson and I am a storyteller from the Gaspe Coast.
I have always had an interest in a good story, especially the ones about this fascinating place that I still call home. Through the years, I have been involved with many history and heritage projects. In my early 30s, I was part of a history group whose members shared stories about the Gaspe Coast. In 2000, I was hired as the Director of the Cascapedia River Museum, and for 12 years, I had the privilege of researching its history.
I also worked in partnership with other heritage sites on the Coast and realized that there were more stories waiting to be told. In 2021, during the COVID lockdown, I began to research and write some Gaspesian stories because I figured if I didn’t do it, who would?
I do not claim to be a historian or a professional writer. But I am a storyteller, and my experiences led me to believe that I had to find a way to share some of the stories, legends, and folklore of the Gaspe Coast before they were forever lost in the pages of time.
I believe that stories are a vital link to our past and a way to safeguard our rich Gaspesian heritage for the future. They help to preserve our history and strengthen our identity.
My hope is that they create a sense of belonging and offer lessons that can inspire future generations to keep our cultural traditions alive. Additionally, stories can bring history to life in a way that makes the past seem more relatable. They can also turn simple landmarks into historical treasures, and invite travellers to experience the Coast in a more personal and interesting way.
To be able to bring these stories to you, I have had to do a lot of research, learn a lot about writing, take on the challenges of editing, and the somewhat time-consuming and complicated world of self-publishing.
I have always had an interest in a good story, especially the ones about this fascinating place that I still call home. Through the years, I have been involved with many history and heritage projects. In my early 30s, I was part of a history group whose members shared stories about the Gaspe Coast. In 2000, I was hired as the Director of the Cascapedia River Museum, and for 12 years, I had the privilege of researching its history.
I also worked in partnership with other heritage sites on the Coast and realized that there were more stories waiting to be told. In 2021, during the COVID lockdown, I began to research and write some Gaspesian stories because I figured if I didn’t do it, who would?
I do not claim to be a historian or a professional writer. But I am a storyteller, and my experiences led me to believe that I had to find a way to share some of the stories, legends, and folklore of the Gaspe Coast before they were forever lost in the pages of time.
I believe that stories are a vital link to our past and a way to safeguard our rich Gaspesian heritage for the future. They help to preserve our history and strengthen our identity.
My hope is that they create a sense of belonging and offer lessons that can inspire future generations to keep our cultural traditions alive. Additionally, stories can bring history to life in a way that makes the past seem more relatable. They can also turn simple landmarks into historical treasures, and invite travellers to experience the Coast in a more personal and interesting way.
To be able to bring these stories to you, I have had to do a lot of research, learn a lot about writing, take on the challenges of editing, and the somewhat time-consuming and complicated world of self-publishing.
My quest is to continue to find and write the forgotten stories of the Gaspe Coast so that they will inspire an understanding and appreciation for our Gaspesian history, heritage and culture. I hope that you will join me on this unique and amazing adventure into the past.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to research, write and tell the many stories about this place called the Gaspe Coast!
Thank you for supporting my efforts to research, write and tell the many stories about this place called the Gaspe Coast!
Early fishing days in Perce