Village News

Mennonite Heritage Village is often the first stop for visitors coming from the east. Sometimes they make their plans in advance, sometimes they see our billboard on Highway 1 and decide to make a detour.

Recently I’ve been writing about how mass movements change the world. This includes the Protestant Reformation, Black Lives Matter, and the on-going Heritage movement that is keeping history alive so we can all learn from it.

Last Thursday I had the privilege of representing Mennonite Heritage Village at the launch of “Mennonite Village Photography: Views from Manitoba 1890 – 1940” published by the Mennonite Historical Arts Committee.

Last week I wrote about how it is movements of people that make history and how there is a heritage movement that you support when you visit or volunteer at your local museum like the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV).

These days society’s accepted views on historical figures go viral and change so quickly. For me, it confirms our need for a more communal understanding of history.

Have you ever tried to learn a new game with many rules? Eventually you just have to tell the enthusiastic gamer, “let’s just play the game and I’ll catch on.” That’s the value of a demonstration.

I’m sure you have heard of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Either by shopping at their local thrift store or donating gently used items.

In the present climate, our interactions with the world look different. For many, contemplating the stories of ancestors is a useful tool in discerning such a time because they give perspective and solidarity.

This past weekend Mennonite Heritage Village hosted its annual Tractor Trek in support of the museum and Eden Health. Before they hit the roads, forty-one registrants and their heritage tractors had already raised over $20,000 (including pledges).

This week I’ve interviewed Evelyn Friesen who was our first ever paid Volunteer Coordinator decades ago! She is no longer getting paid to do so, but Evelyn continues to volunteer at our front desk every week and always loves to recruit others to join her at MHV.