Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society Inc.

The Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and cultural heritage of the Lac du Bonnet area in Manitoba. Established as a non-profit entity, the Society operates with a team of volunteers committed to collecting, maintaining, and showcasing local historical artifacts and stories.

History and Formation

The Society was incorporated on January 18, 1988, with the mandate to "collect, preserve and promote the history of the Lac du Bonnet and surrounding district." The founding board included community members such as Gordon Emberley (President), Stella Hammerstedt, Louis Bruneau, Joan Lesko, Adele Byczek, Helen Stine, and Lorraine Carlson.

Activities and Operations

The Society operates the Lac du Bonnet District Museum, a seasonal museum located in Halliday Park, which has been open since the summer of 2011. This museum serves as the primary venue for exhibitions and educational programs aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of local history.

In addition to running the museum, the Society engages in community outreach by developing educational programming and displays to promote the area's historical and cultural understanding. The Society also undertakes community historical projects to preserve and celebrate local heritage.

Historic Preservation

In 2019, the Society acquired the historic former St. John’s Anglican Church located in the Town of Lac du Bonnet. This building, situated at 86 McArthur Avenue, has been designated a Municipal Heritage Site by the Town of Lac du Bonnet, underscoring its cultural and historic significance. The Society’s stewardship of this property reflects its commitment to heritage conservation within the community.

Mission and Vision

The Lac du Bonnet and District Historical Society’s mission emphasizes preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Lac du Bonnet region. Their vision and goals include expanding cultural awareness and celebration, enhancing programming and exhibits, and fostering a deeper connection between the community and its heritage.

Organizational Commitment

The Society operates under principles of inclusiveness and respect for the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, as well as the Métis Nation. It seeks to incorporate cultural awareness and diversity into its programming and future goals.

This organization is registered as a nonprofit under Canadian laws with the business registration number 890282379RR0001. It plays a key role in preserving local heritage and fostering community identity through history-focused initiatives and stewardship of historic sites[1][2][3][4][5].

[1] https://ldbhistorical.ca/about-us/ [2] https://ldbhistorical.ca/about-us/history-of-society/ [3] https://ldbhistorical.ca/about-us/planning/ [4] https://ldbhistorical.ca/about-us/activities/community-outreach/ [5] https://www.ldbhistorical.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/LdB-Historical-Society-Strategic-Plan_2020-2024.pdf