Annual Meeting

The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society (MMHS) marked another significant year in 2024, as the society began commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first Kanadier Mennonites’ settlement in Manitoba. This milestone offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and preserve the Mennonite story and also explore its broader significance within Canadian history, particularly the complexities of colonization and its intersections with Indigenous and Métis peoples.

Events and Outreach

In collaboration with filmmaker Dale Hildebrand, the MMHS supported the production and promotion of Where the Cottonwoods Grow, a documentary that chronicles the journey of Kanadier Mennonites from South Russia to Manitoba in the 1870s. The film portrays the trials faced by the settlers, their resilience in the face of natural challenges, and considers the complexities of colonization. Its depiction of this period has resonated with audiences at screenings across the province, including Neubergthal, Steinbach, Winkler, and Winnipeg. 

The MMHS also hosted two successful historical tours to the former East Reserve and West Reserve in Manitoba. These tours, led by archivist Conrad Stoesz and historian Ernest N. Braun, saw over 90 people visit key heritage sites such as Fort Dufferin, the Mennonite Memorial Landing Site, Neubergthal, and the Niverville Cultural Centre. Participants gained insights into the experiences of early Mennonite settlers and explored layered narratives of migration, community building, and the impact of colonization.

With support from the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, the MMHS proudly facilitated the fifth reprint of the Historical Atlas of the East Reserve by Ernest N. Braun and historian Glen Klassen, encouraging donations to distribute copies to schools, libraries, and hospitals. Additionally, the society published historian Ralph Friesen’s book, Prosperity Ever—Depression Never: Steinbach in the 1930s, that documents Steinbach’s transformation from a small village into a modern prairie town during the Great Depression.

The MMHS also launched an Instagram account and completed a comprehensive refresh of its website and newsletter, Heritage Posting, which will now be published twice annually in a longer format. These enhancements have strengthened the society’s online presence and its engagement with the broader community. Increased visibility has been bolstered by media coverage from outlets such as CBC Radio, The Carillon, The Niverville Citizen, PembinaValleyOnline, and SteinbachOnline, collectively expanding awareness of the society’s initiatives to thousands of Manitobans.

Trail Development and Historical Markers

In 2024, the MMHS became a member of Trails Manitoba, actively contributing to the organization while benefiting from its technical and operational expertise. This partnership supported the efforts of the EastMenn Historical Committee (EastMenn) and the WestMenn Historical Committee (WestMenn) in advancing trail development and historical preservation.

EastMenn has focused on new trail initiatives in southeast Manitoba and achieved a major milestone with the launch of the Drive the Peace Trail campaign. This initiative promotes the exploration of significant heritage sites within the East Reserve. The committee is working on agreements, permits, and safety measures to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

With support from the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, WestMenn installed new interpretive signage along the Post Road Trail in south-central Manitoba to enrich the visitor experience. Additionally, the committee unveiled a commemorative marker for the former school in Blumenhof, which has been a prominent feature at the Mennonite Heritage Village since 1981. This project was made possible through support from the Altona Community Foundation.

Looking Ahead

2025 will mark a period of transition for the MMHS as it prepares to bid farewell to chair Conrad Stoesz, who is set to complete his term on the board of directors. Stoesz’s leadership has been instrumental to the society and he is certain to be deeply missed.

The MMHS is excited to announce several forthcoming projects. Historian Arnold Neufeldt-Fast is preparing to publish a book on the Fuerstenland Colony, which is expected to be released in 2025. Meanwhile, WestMenn is developing a revised atlas of the West Reserve, which promises to be a significant addition to the growing collection of historical resources published by the society.

In 2025, the MMHS will continue its efforts to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mennonites in Manitoba. The society is organizing additional historical tours during the summer, while a special screening of the documentary Where the Cottonwoods Grow is planned for its annual meeting in May 2025.