The MacBride Museum Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization that operates the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, located in Whitehorse, Yukon. Established originally by the Yukon Historical Society in 1950, the museum is dedicated to preserving, illustrating, and sharing the rich cultural and historical heritage of Yukon[3][5].

History and Background

The MacBride Museum of Yukon History was founded in 1950 and officially opened in 1952, making it the oldest museum in the Yukon territory. The museum was named after a significant local figure and has grown through the support of various government and community partners, including funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Yukon, approved for expansion in 2016[3]. Its mandate is to collect, preserve, and interpret historical artifacts and stories related to the Yukon, showcasing the region’s unique past and its resilient people.

Facilities and Collections

The MacBride Museum Society manages multiple sites:

• MacBride Museum: The main museum in Whitehorse features 11 galleries and houses a collection of approximately 40,000 objects. Exhibits include Yukon First Nations history, the Klondike Gold Rush, natural history, communications, and transportation. Notable items include the Ted Harrison art collection and historical artifacts like the 1900 Telegraph Office and an engine from the White Pass railway[3][5].

• MacBride Roundhouse: This site offers tours and programs related to the transportation history of the Yukon waterfront.

• Copperbelt Mining Museum: Located on the Alaska Highway, this museum focuses on the mining heritage of the Yukon region and operates primarily in the summer months[3][5].

Programs and Community Engagement

The MacBride Museum Society is active in community engagement and education. It hosts a variety of events including storytelling, lectures, music performances, cultural programs, and interactive activities such as gold panning. Seasonal and members-only events, like Christmas camps for kids and book clubs, are also part of their programming[1][5].

The museum’s activities aim to create a comprehensive and entertaining overview of Yukon’s history, making it a key cultural institution in the region. Its exhibitions and programs are designed to appeal to visitors and locals alike, providing insights into the colorful characters and groundbreaking events that shaped Yukon[2].

Recognition

The MacBride Museum is recognized as one of the top cultural attractions in Whitehorse and is highly regarded by both tourists and locals for its informative and engaging displays on Yukon history[2].

Note: The MacBride Museum Society operates as the managing nonprofit organization behind these museums and cultural sites, registered under the business number 119026821RR0001.

[1] https://macbridemuseum.com [2] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155047-d319331-Reviews-MacBride_Museum-Whitehorse_Yukon.html [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBride_Museum_of_Yukon_History [4] https://www.heritageyukon.ca/our-heritage/heritage-places/macbride-museum-of-yukon-history/ [5] https://www.travelyukon.com/en/see-and-do/experience-providers/macbride-museum-yukon-history