COLUMN: Village News – Is the museum open in winter?

Is the museum open in winter? That’s a great question! Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is known to be very busy in spring and summer, with school tours, with visitors from around the world, and with a dozen events and festivals from May to September. Many people also stop by the Livery Barn restaurant for a hearty lunch or on Sundays for the amazing buffet. The general store and Village Books and Gifts also see increased traffic, as local artisans display and sell their creations.

So, when fall arrives, and winter sets in, what reason do we have to come to MHV? Here are a few reasons to stop by the museum:

1. We continue to plan and host events throughout the colder season, including the Christmas Market in November, the Choir Celebration event in December, the Winter Carnival in February, and the Great Easter Egg Hunt on the Easter weekend. These events are open to everyone, those younger and older.

2. Over the Christmas holidays, our education staff ran a winter day camp for children ages 6-11 years old. They skated on our ice rink, worked on snow sculptures, played hide and seek in the housebarn, heard stories in the Semlin, made Schnetje and enjoyed eating it for snack time.

3. Last weekend, the South East Manitoba Draft Horse Association hosted a free sleigh ride day. They support us throughout the year by offering rides at our events and for school groups, and they show fieldwork demonstrations at Pioneer Days. This ‘Christmas on the Farm’ day provided free rides for the community, while raising funds and collecting food for South East Helping Hands.

4. Every Saturday until the end of February, or until the snow and ice melt, we are open until 8 p.m. for Winter In The Village activities. We rent out snowshoes and kick sleds to explore the village and we offer skates for those who don’t own skates. Along with these activities there is free hot chocolate and hot apple cider for all guests and marshmallows to roast at the fire pit. At 4 p.m., the coloured light display in the village begins as the activities continue until 8 p.m.

5. Our galleries continue to be open to the public throughout the winter, welcoming friends, relatives and supporters to learn about our history from the 1500’s onward. This year’s special exhibit, ‘Mennonite Reflections: Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago’ continues to highlight the stories of the early Mennonite migrants to our province. If you were too busy in summer to see the exhibit, maybe you want to spend an hour or two with a friend this winter exploring the seven themes of the exhibit.

6. Village Books and Gifts continues to offer classic games, old-fashioned toys, creative work of local artists and artisans, and hundreds of book titles. Winter is a wonderful time to catch up on reading and we feature local authors, children’s authors, family histories and Mennonite histories. The museum and bookstore are open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

We know that it takes a little more effort in winter to get out of the house, but if you do, you will find many reasons to stop by MHV, either on your own, or with your family. We look forward to seeing you!

Upcoming events

Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Winter in the Village resumes. Visit the village and enjoy the light displays, kick sleds, skating, snowshoeing and more. Winter admission rates apply. Visit www.mhv.ca for more details.

Jan. 25 – EastMenn Historical Committee event at MHV – The Objects We Hold Dear – Exploring Material Culture Among Kanadier Mennonites.

Feb. 2 – 7 p.m. Vespers Service.

Feb. 15 and 16 – Winter Carnival – A community winter event, with music, games, activities and food for everyone.