Village News

Working at Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV), my thinking often comes in ‘exhibit form’. ‘This idea/object (fill in the blank) would form a great exhibit!’ or ‘This contemporary societal issue has a lot in common with our exhibit based on the same root issue(s) 100 years ago’. Fortunately, MHV has space for exhibits beyond our two indoor galleries.

For example, we have a garden exhibit that flows throughout the grounds. What greets visitors first at our Village Centre entrance is an ever-changing line-up of shrubs, flowers, and prairie grasses – from tulips in spring to red leaves in fall. It’s no wonder visitors often stop to take pictures! Their walking pace begins to relax, breathing becomes deeper, and minds open. Somehow, the body knows it can now open itself for well-being and learning. Once through reception, guests enter the village grounds greeted by rows and rows of dazzling flowers and plants. As they near the village main street with all its historic buildings I sometimes hear children and adults alike exclaim their awe. ‘Wow!’ is a common word.

We are so grateful to the Steinbach and Area Garden Club for developing our gardens. They enjoy working with the palette we provide them with, and we all enjoy their finished masterpieces.

Another masterpiece was revealed this past Saturday. The grand opening of our Dirk Willems Peace Garden includes the unveiling of two major panels about Mennonites and Peace, a presentation on the garden, and acknowledgements of the Peace Exhibit committee. The more we know about peace and the examples of others, the better we can live it out in our world. Also, the Peace Trek will be wrapping up around that time and I’m sure the trekkers would enjoy some cheering. Whoever raises the most funds for MHV and Eden Foundation will be given a beautiful bike from Source for Sports Steinbach at the ceremony.

I hope you can visit MHV soon and see all the exhibits! When people leave MHV after being here for two or three hours I see their pace is fully relaxed, each breath completely deep, and their minds full of well-being and learning.