About MMHS
Our History
Established in 1958
Since 1958, the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society (MMHS) has pursued its objective of fostering an awareness of Mennonite history and culture in many ways.
The seed for these activities was planted in the two decades preceding 1958. During World War Two, several groups such as the Mennonite Agricultural Advisory Committee of the West Reserve and individual scholars such as P.J. Schaefer became involved in the preparation of books to promote self understanding among Manitoba Mennonites.
After 1958, the MMHS initiated other projects. Under the leadership of historically interested people including Gerhard Lohrenz, P.J.B. Reimer, Gerhard Ens, and John C. Reimer, books were published, the Mennonite Village Museum was established, monuments were erected and centennial celebrations for 1967, 1970, and 1974 were planned.
In 1979, the MMHS separated into a Museum Society and a history and cultural organization. The latter maintained the name, MMHS. This new organization concentrated its efforts on book publication, educational activities, and creating cultural awareness.
Objectives
To encourage the expression of the Mennonite experience in various areas, such as literature, drama, history, fine arts, music, geography, sociology, religion, and to foster interdisciplinary discussions.
In cooperation with various Mennonite archives and museums, to collect, preserve, and exhibit articles and documents of historical value.
To interpret and promote the religious convictions of the Anabaptist-Mennonite people, past and present.
To organize public lectures and provide resources for schools and other organizations.
To promote research, analysis and publication of essays, dissertations, books, etc., on various aspects of the Mennonite experience.
To search out and encourage the preservation of historical sites and Mennonite cemeteries and to establish markers, cairns and other monuments to the Mennonite events and personalities.
To foster inter-Mennonite unity and understanding with the various Mennonite archives and museums.
Purpose
We seek to foster an understanding of and respect for the history and beliefs of the Mennonite people in the past and present, and to challenge them to give new expression to this heritage in the future.