The biggest new addition is the railroad models. The railway museum, which featured full models from a number of community members, was once in a building at the same site, one that has since been demolished. This year, the displays have been moved over to the Wildlife Museum building. They are now housed in the old Bear Den’s spot. The chainsaw sculptures of bears have been moved over to the wildlife exhibit. Perkins said the model railway display is a new and exciting part of their attraction.
“This newly restored collection was donated by Earl Patterson’s family and features three running lines with handmade displays including replicas of original homesteads and farming scenes, the Virden CPR station constructed from fieldstone, and featuring Boissevain Schools and heritage buildings, and other local attractions such as the Arts Park and Tommy Turtle. There’s also the Flin Flon Mine, Churchill Port, Anglo Oil Refinery, and the ever-impressive Bunclody Bridge. We are very excited to have this collection as a new exhibit as there had been several inquiries from the public and school groups the past couple of summers, so we are pleased to have this exhibit up and running.”
She added it would not have been possible without the work of volunteers, including the expert hands of Stan Peck, who worked hard over 14 months doing all that was necessary to get everything up and going. Perkins said the guided tours for groups and school classes have already proven popular. Through May and June, they will be available to the public on Thursdays and Fridays at 11am and 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Hours might expand during the summer. There are also even a few train souvenirs at the gift shop.
The artisan market is also up and running. This is a partnership with the Boissevain and Morton Arts Council, and it features the handmade work of artists and artisans in the main gallery with some items up for purchase in the gift shop. This is a program that has really worked out for all involved.
“There are 12 artists this year and this number continues to grow, including some returning artists from last year and some brand new ones,” Perkins explained. “There has been such interest in this program that eligibility has expanded from Boissevain-Morton to include our surrounding region for artisans to apply to be in the gallery. Gallery items include beaded moccasins, charcoal drawings, alcohol inks, woodwork, leather items and home décor, crocheting, knitting, art prints and cards, photography, and more.”
The museum is also well known for its wildlife displays as well as the home of the Moncur Gallery, a collection of Bill Moncur’s Indigenous artifacts.
Another attraction in town, the Beckoning Hills Museum, has not been open so far this season. The volunteer board handed over the keys to the municipality earlier in the year due to a shortage of volunteers. There is currently not a succession plan in place, but if anyone from the community has any ideas or is interested in volunteering time and energy to this historic Boissevain museum, Boissevain-Morton would like to hear from you.
Perkins said despite the fact the Wildlife Museum has only been open for a short while, they have already attracted 115 visitors. They have come from Colombia, Texas, Oklahoma, Nova Scotia, Alberta and closer to home in North Dakota and other parts of Manitoba.
“Our museum is a key stop for visitors and tourists coming down the international highway and stopping for a pic with Tommy Turtle. Touring our exhibits and shopping the gift shop for some souvenirs and artisan gallery gifts are main stops for many, along with picking up visitor information from Travel Manitoba from our Visitor Reception Centre and learning about all of the hidden gems of eateries, local businesses, and parks are also a big part of the visitor experience at the museum. We also have some new souvenirs and Boissevain merchandise coming. I encourage our local community members to stop in and see what is all new this year at the museum.”
Perkins added guided tours to all parts of the museum are required and can be set up by calling 204-534-6662 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The site will be open up to Labour Day. She said they are looking at building on last year’s successes and extending Boissevain hospitality to all visitors.
“Last summer the museum saw over 2,500 visitors despite some of the COVID-19 related travel restrictions crossing the border. This year, with the lifted restrictions regarding international travel at the border, we are anticipating more visitors coming through the doors. It will be really nice to start to experience a more normal pre-pandemic visitor season—for the museum, our businesses, and our local economy,” she said.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff