LMM’s original Anne of Green Gables manuscript added to prestigious United Nations registry
Lucy Maud Montgomery, the renowned author of Prince Edward Island, has received a prestigious honor almost 150 years after her birth. The manuscript for her beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables, has been added to the Canada Memory of the World Register in commemoration of Montgomery’s 150th birthday on November 30, 1874.
The Canada Memory of the World Register, overseen by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, showcases 33 significant items of Canadian heritage, ranging from correspondence and journals to historic maps and administrative documents. This initiative aims to preserve and promote access to valuable documentary heritage of universal importance.
The latest addition to the register comprises 475 pages of Montgomery’s handwritten original manuscript of Anne of Green Gables, accompanied by 96 pages of her notes detailing additions to the text. Currently housed at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, this manuscript provides unparalleled insights into Montgomery’s creative process and reflections, solidifying her legacy as a pivotal figure in Canadian literature.
Yves-Gérard Méhou-Loko, the secretary general of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, expressed gratitude for the preservation and accessibility of this classic work, emphasizing Anne’s enduring appeal to readers worldwide. The Green Gables Heritage Place, located within the Prince Edward Island National Park, attracts over 150,000 visitors annually, underscoring the cultural and economic impact of Montgomery’s literary masterpiece.
Born in New London on P.E.I.’s North Shore, Montgomery, who preferred to be called Maud, drew inspiration from her childhood surroundings for Anne of Green Gables and numerous other novels. The novel, first published in 1908, follows the adventures of the imaginative orphan Anne Shirley and has been translated into numerous languages, spawning various adaptations in theatre, film, and television.
In addition to Montgomery’s manuscript, the Canada Memory of the World Register features diverse entries that highlight significant aspects of Canadian history and culture. Notable inclusions range from court documents related to Viola Desmond’s landmark civil rights case to archival materials documenting the discovery of insulin at the University of Toronto.
With Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables manuscript taking its rightful place among Canada’s cherished heritage, the legacy of this iconic author continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Through initiatives like the Canada Memory of the World Register, future generations can appreciate and celebrate the enduring contributions of Canadian literary luminaries like Lucy Maud Montgomery.
