ASSINIBOIA — Immerse yourself in the rich history of Assiniboia by exploring the community’s museum this summer. Enjoy the nostalgia of browsing hundreds of artifacts and displays showcasing Assiniboia’s past.
Sally Svenson, museum spokesperson, says, “We have had a number of classes, groups and people stop in June. We are working on a session in July with either a person that writes or a group for people to stop by.”
This summer, a new display will include a wedding dress, bouquet, veil and gloves, along with other related items.
An added attraction at Assiniboia’s museum includes their mini golf, which is now open. Svenson says they will have specials on certain days throughout the summer, such as a free freezie after a round of golf for kids.
Svenson says the mini golf option is now open Saturdays and Sundays. Watch social media and posters for more details on hours, offerings and upcoming specials.
On July 8, the Assiniboia Museum welcomes Métis writer Neil Roy. From 10 a.m. to mid-afternoon, everyone is welcome to a meet-and-greet with the author, who is interested in this area and surrounding communities. Roy has been researching information on NWMP Métis Scouts in southwest Saskatchewan. Svenson says to watch for posters around town and their social media for more details on this summer showcase.
The Ace Academy travelling interactive exhibit will be part of the museum from Aug. 11 until Oct. 5. Svenson says it’s a fun exhibit that all ages can enjoy and be part of the action.
“We have received new items that we are working on accessioning. One item is a Jr. Rebels jacket from a former player during the Rebels championship years. We have also received glass negatives of the community of Assiniboia in the early years. Also, we received a mint-condition bicycle from the 1960s,” says Svenson.
Fundraisers support programs from youth to seniors, projects and care of the collection. Svenson says they have activities for young children, including a car puzzle, car race ramp and game with cars, along with a word quiz hunt, scavenger hunt, Connect 4 and more.
Museum admission helps with the cost of running and maintaining the museum — especially with rising costs. Svenson said in 2024, the fire alarm system box failed and cost more than $4,500 to replace.
A garage sale fundraiser with good community support helped the museum raise over $1,000.
The Assiniboia Museum Committee is seeking funding to improve accessibility to the historical venue, as well as for maintenance and collection care.
Svenson notes, “With the Assiniboia Kinsmen turning 80 this year, we have the Kinsmen version of Monopoly with Assiniboia businesses in the game, dated about 1983. We have the first edition unopened, along with the receipt with Kinsmen on it, as well as a document featuring the Assiniboia Kinsmen.”
Watch for other events and activities still to be finalized for the summer, including a person who will be reading from Uncle Theodore’s memoirs about being a mechanic for F-52 bomber planes built in Canada for the Second World War. There will also be a slideshow of St. Victor and petroglyphs from about 1960.
To wrap up the summer, the museum will host the 麻豆传媒AVern Cruisers Car Show ’n’ Shine on Sept. 20 on the museum grounds, which will also include a barbecue and potentially other events. The Assiniboia Museum Committee encourages people to follow their social media for updates and to bring visiting guests for a tour of this well-kept historical venue.
