Construction XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1850)
Former convent of the Saint Joseph Sisters.
1984
Creation of the departmental museum
Creation of the departmental museum 1984 (≈ 1984)
Secret Army Museum and Founded Resistance.
1999
20th Century Museum Recast
20th Century Museum Recast 1999 (≈ 1999)
Thematic extension to global history.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Information non disponible - No name cited
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Origin and history
The Museum of History of the XXth Century of Estivareilles finds its origins in the creation, in 1984, of a departmental museum dedicated to the Secret Army and the Resistance. This first museum was formed thanks to the collections gathered by former members of the Secret Army of the Loire, offering a direct testimony of their commitment during the Second World War. The collected objects, documents and photographs formed the heart of his museum, centered on the local Resistance and its actors.
In 1999, the museum evolved to become the 20th century Museum of History, expanding its focus far beyond the Resistance. While retaining the original historical background, it incorporated a chronological perspective covering the entire century: industrialization, World War I, social transformations, and recent European history. This overhaul allowed the Resistance to be placed in a broader historical context, illustrating the causes and consequences of major conflicts.
The museum is housed in a former 18th-century religious building, once occupied by Saint Joseph's sisters. This historic setting adds a heritage dimension to the site, while serving as a support for a modern museum. The pedagogical approach, both local and global, aims to shed light on the historical chains that marked the twentieth century, from industrial upheavals to world wars and the construction of Europe.
Labeled "Museum of France", the establishment benefits from a location specified as "passable" (note 5/10), according to the available data. Its official address, 456 Route du Musée à Estivareilles (Loire), makes it an accessible place for visitors interested in regional and national history. The municipality's website offers additional information to prepare a visit.