New Brunswick boasts over 100 museums and heritage sites, with Tracadie being home to the Musée Historique de Tracadie, a tribute to the Religieuses Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph, an order of nuns deeply ingrained in the community’s history.
Initially focused on running a hospital for lepers, the nuns’ presence dates back to 1828 when leprosy surfaced in Tracadie, likely introduced by immigrants from Norway. The first lazaretto was constructed in 1849, evolving over time to cater to lepers from across Canada.
Despite the nuns’ efforts in healthcare, the community was stigmatized due to the lazaretto’s presence. However, in 1943, the discovery of a cure for leprosy led to the closure of the lazaretto in 1965.
The nuns not only cared for leprosy patients but also provided general health services, establishing the first French-speaking hospital in New Brunswick in 1896. The museum now showcases historic medical tools, offering a glimpse into past medical practices.
Moreover, the nuns recognized the need for education in Tracadie and set up schools, including a day school and a boarding school. Their educational initiatives attracted students from various regions seeking quality education.
While the Religieuses Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph order remains active in different locations, its presence in Tracadie concluded in 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of healthcare and education.