Fonds

Covering nearly 250 years of Montreal and Canadian history, this fonds chronicles the life and work of a family who had a major impact on Montreal's economy, judicial system, culture and society. The primary focus is on the personal lives of Thomas McCord, John Samuel McCord and David Ross McCord, the administration of their finances and property, as well as their professional and social activities. The archives extensively document the collecting activities of David Ross McCord and his efforts to found the McCord Museum. The fonds also covers the activities of other members of the McCord and related families, as well as those of close friends and associates.

The archives of Thomas McCord contain personal documents such as the certificate of his marriage with Sarah Solomon and the latter's will, as well as legal and financial records and correspondence documenting the administration of his properties (including the Nazareth fief). There are also documents produced as part of his political activities.

The archives of John Samuel McCord are primarily associated with his professional and recreational activities. Case files and court records chronicle his law practice, while various administrative documents trace his militia and Freemasonry activities. Notebooks and correspondence document his research as an amateur scientist. This collection also includes several personal documents such as a birth certificate, school transcripts and diaries, as well as cartographic, legal and financial records illustrating the administration of his properties by J. S. McCord.

The archives of David Ross McCord primarily reflect his collecting activities. There is correspondence about acquiring objects for his collection and developing and administering the McCord Museum. In addition, there are various personal documents, along with journals and writings chronicling his interest in history and McCord family genealogy. Legal and financial records document the administration of his finances and property, as well as his law practice, while certificates and attestations trace McCord's involvement in the Freemasonry movement and interest groups. Finally, medical records and letters exchanged with his wife touch on McCord's health during the last years of his life.

The fonds also contains numerous documents chronicling the personal and professional activities of William King McCord, Anne Ross McCord, John James Day, Robert Arthur McCord, Anne McCord and Letitia Chamber McCord.