Winkler Heritage Society

The Winkler Heritage Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the heritage of Winkler and its surrounding communities. Established in April 1999, the society aims to connect the present generation with their ancestors and their contributions to the region of Manitoba.

Mission

The society's mission involves preserving and exhibiting historical records and artifacts from the area. This is achieved through various projects and events that encourage public interest in local history.

Activities and Projects

Among its early initiatives, the Winkler Heritage Society prepared and produced historical placemats that depicted scenes and characters from Winkler's past. Another notable project was the creation of a heritage piece in Prairie Green Park, which includes a cairn commemorating the earliest Mennonite pioneers who settled in the area of Hoffnungsfeld in 1876. These pioneers later became key residents of Winkler.

The society has also been involved in erecting cairns to honor the original settlers, including those marking the contributions of Jewish pioneer families in Winkler.

Museum and Exhibits

The Winkler Heritage Society operates a museum featuring a diverse range of exhibits. These include early photographs, children's toys, quilts, furniture, musical instruments, dishes, and school items, all reflecting the historical character of the area.

Educational Initiatives

To foster interest in local history among younger generations, the society offers annual scholarships to high school students for original essays and historical research.

Publications

The society publishes a quarterly newsletter titled Legacy Links, which keeps members and the public informed about their activities and historical findings. Sally Harms serves as the editor of this publication.

Historical Preservation

The Winkler Heritage Society's efforts to document and commemorate local history are reflected in its collection of historical artifacts and records. This includes textual records and photographs that highlight the society's activities and the history of Winkler's settlement.