Still glowing: Dalnavert celebrates golden anniversary

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This article was published 18/06/2024 (838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dalnavert Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary since transforming from a neglected Victorian home into a cherished historical landmark.

Originally the family abode of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, son of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, Dalnavert invites visitors to step into the past and experience its rich history.

Built in 1895 for the Macdonald family, the house features intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, exquisite architectural details and an enchanting garden.

“Beyond the house’s physical beauty, Dalnavert tells stories — of the Macdonald family, of Winnipeg’s social history and of the efforts to preserve our heritage,” says Samantha Machado, the museum’s services manager and acting executive director.

The Macdonald family lived in Dalnavert from 1895 to 1929. The house was then vacant before becoming a rooming house in 1940. By 1969, it had fallen into disrepair and faced demolition until the Manitoba Historical Society, led by volunteers Kathleen Richardson and Kathleen Campbell, spearheaded preservation efforts.

“The success of Dalnavert should be attributed to the people who rallied to save it both times,” says Cindy Tugwell, executive director of Heritage Winnipeg.

“It’s a testament to community resilience and the value we place on preserving our heritage.”

In 1974, after extensive restoration, Dalnavert opened as a museum, preserving its original structure and interior design. The meticulous work has allowed visitors to step back in time and experience the elegance of a Victorian home first-hand, Machado says.

Dalnavert’s preservation continued beyond the 1970s. Closed temporarily in 2013, the community, particularly the Friends of Dalnavert Museum, secured the necessary support for its reopening.

“It’s exciting to be celebrating 50 years of Dalnavert. The volunteers’ dedication and resilience are the only reason Dalnavert still stands today,” says Tugwell, who was a member of the Friends of Dalnavert Museum.

Susan Moffat, a seasoned volunteer, vividly recalls her first encounter with the house: “When I first stepped into Dalnavert, it was like stepping into a time capsule. The stained-glass windows, the woodwork, the breathtaking solarium.”

Moffat’s journey began in 1974 when the house reopened; she was a college student interning for the summer.

“I liked it so much, I eventually stayed on as a volunteer,” she says.

Moffat remembers being terrified when giving her first tour.

“It was three elderly sisters, the youngest about 88. We got to the study, and one of them said, ‘Oh we’ve been here before.’”

Moffat was stunned as they explained how they lived in the neighbourhood as girls and were often invited by the Macdonalds to play on the veranda and eat cookies in the study.

“The women were absolutely delightful, and it’s an experience I will never forget. During the tour, they even started telling me things about the house,” she says.

Over the past 50 years, Moffat has contributed as both a volunteer and staff member. Now, she serves as the volunteer liaison.

“We couldn’t function without our volunteers,” she says.

One of those dedicated volunteers is Linda Rigaux, who started at Dalnavert six years ago after retiring from her job at an assisted living facility.

“The best part of the job was doing tours with people, meeting them and helping them find a new home,” she says of her former employment.

Seeking a volunteer opportunity where she could use her skills, Rigaux found Dalnavert online and met up with Moffat.

“I love history and this place has a lot of it. When you get to know the house, you find out what is special to you personally,” Rigaux says.

Rigaux often imagines what life was like at Dalnavert in 1895 and uses these reflections in her tours.

“It’s a great place to volunteer, and that’s why I keep coming back. I’ve made some fabulous friends.”

Dalnavert Museum isn’t just a house but a community, Rigaux says.

Moffat shares the sentiment.

“When I first came here, I was interviewed by Kathleen Campbell and Kathleen Richardson, who became my mentors,” Moffat says.

Campbell and Richardson led the restoration of Dalnavert and received Distinguished Service awards from Heritage Winnipeg for their efforts.

“In the first 15 years of the museum’s opening, they were here almost every day, providing support and training. They got people to donate money, and some items came from their own homes,” Moffat says.

Both were community activists, and Richardson, daughter of James Armstrong Richardson, was inducted into the Winnipeg Citizens Hall of Fame in 2023.

“They taught me a lot about the house and the art within it. They supported me and now I have a love affair with the house,” Moffat says.

The museum has also hosted various live events, including its annual seasonal reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Jazz Winnipeg garden parties on the veranda and the first iteration of Winnipeg playwright Frances Koncan’s Women of the Fur Trade.

As Dalnavert Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, the focus is on the future. The official launch today is an invite-only event, but Machado says the occasion will be feted all year long.

“Guests will experience different programs and learn interesting things about our history through our online platform,” she says.

Moffat says the anniversary is very special to her.

“It’s a living testament to our history and the people who shaped it.”

Dalnavert Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Machado encourages Winnipeggers to check their online platforms for new programs and events.

arts@freepress.mb.ca