Mennonite Heritage Archives

06/11/2026

We recently had our volunteer appreciation evening to recognize the important work our volunteers do for the archives and for the community. A lovely meal was prepared by Canadian Mennonite University , Paul Dueck graced us with his harp music, and mother nature showed up with a hail storm to boot! Thank-you volunteers! (Sorry not everyone could make it)

06/01/2026

In the 1940s the governments of Saskatchewan and BC collaborated to move a group of Mennonites from SK to the Burns Lake region due to the hardships experienced during the 1930s depression. It was a rough start but eventually with some community spirit they were successful. Listen to episode 71 of "Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives" on common podcast platforms or our website www.mharchives.ca/episode-71-journey-to-burns-lake/
This photo is of the makeshift blacksmith shop of M. Martens.

05/29/2026

Archivist Conrad Stoesz participated in the Mennonite special collections conference at Goshen College and got to tour the Mennonite Church USA archives in Elkhart. The archives began in 1940 and was housed at Goshen College until 2017 when it moved to its current location in Elkhart. The materials include 5200 linear feet of records! Thanks to Roberta Yoder for hosting us and showing us the amazing collection and important work you are doing.

05/25/2026

Our archivist, Conrad Stoesz, spent Saturday leading a bus tour along the historic Post Road developed by the historical society. The route was marked by oak posts in 1878 by the Mennonites to help guide travellers along a dark , almost treeless plain that was dangerous in a snow storm. The tour went from Fort Dufferin on the Red River to Mountain City, south of Morden, Manitoba. The next tour of the Steinbach area (East Reserve) takes place June 27. For more info see www.mmhs.org.

05/04/2026

General Samuel McRoberts and his wife Harriett hosted a delegation of Old Colony Mennonites in their New York home in 1919. It was Harriett who convinced the General to get involved and was instrumental in establishing Menno Colony, Paraguay in 1927. To hear the story, tune into episode 73 of "Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives" on Apple Podcast, Spotify or our website www.mharchives.ca/samuel-mcroberts-and-his-paraguay-photo-collection/

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04/08/2026

One of the joys in a small archive is the variety of tasks and creativity one can bring to the task. Over coffee break Baden figured out a box template for housing reel to reel audio tapes created by the Winnipeg Mennonite Children's Choir.

04/02/2026

Using DNA testing for genealogical research can be useful in some cases. The Mennonite DNA project continues its work and has updated its "wish list" of family names it is looking get results from. In some cases there are special funding arrangements offered. To find out more visit https://www.mharchives.ca/resources/genealogy/ -dna and to learn about the project and see some results visit http://www.mennonitedna.com/

Note: the first link directs to a webpage and then there is a link to the wishlist. To download the wish list, click on the three dots on the top right and choose open in external browser.

[Image created by chat GPT]

03/21/2026

03/21/2026

"War is evil, brutal, and inhumane. It glorifies might, greed, and selfishness. The nature of war remains incompatible with the new nature of a regenerated Christian."
General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches 1954. MB Herald: Canadian Conference of MB Churches

03/17/2026

The Archives recently received the first batch of materials from the . The Mennonite Collegiate Institute began in 1889 in Gretna, Manitoba. The Mennonite Heritage Archives is honoured to help look after the legacy of the school. If you want to help support the archives in its mission contact us.