Helping preserve Transcona’s history
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/07/2021 (672 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Transcona Museum has recently re-opened following the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions and it is a hidden gem in the heart of Transcona. Did you know it houses over 53,000 artifacts connected to our community history?
Our museum first opened its doors to the public from the basement of the now former Transcona Library on Oct. 16, 1968. It was founded based on a motion from then alderman Paul Martin, also a former mayor of Transcona.
In its early years, the museum was operated by its board of directors and additional volunteers from throughout the community. As it grew, a larger venue was needed to house all of the historical artifacts. Its home moved around the community until it finally landed in its current home at 141 Regent Ave. in June 1983.
The museum has also been a great resource for many community groups, social clubs, and daycares, providing educational programs that suit the needs of each respective age range and learning ability. We should also be very proud of its works of remembrance in honour of those who served Canada in peacekeeping and many wars and conflicts through the decades.
The museum and its volunteers have also been working on another Transcona project for our historic steam locomotive. Simply known as CN 2747, the engine was the first steam locomotive to be built in western Canada. The connection our community has with CN over many generations is undeniable.
The museum continues raising funds to restore CN 2747 through its Get Onboard campaign. Last year, blast cleaning and painting was completed, which was a significant restoration milestone. Still on the project table is a permanent shelter to preserve and protect our historic steam engine for present and future generations of railroaders. I am pleased to have recently supported the project with $75,000 from Transcona’s Land Dedication Reserve Fund.
The staff and many volunteers at the museum are important to our community. They are the ones entrusted to preserve Transcona’s past and with welcoming our many new community members by sharing and showcasing our great history.
The museum is always looking for additional volunteers & members. If you would like to learn more about Transcona’s history please visit transconamuseum.mb.ca.
As always, I’m proud to represent Transcona at City Hall, and I hope you find my articles informative.
I currently have a Facebook Page, Instagram account, and website (www.shawnnason.ca) to regularly inform our community on items of importance.
Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern, please contact my office by calling 204-986-8087 or emailing snason@winnipeg.ca
Shawn Nason
Transcona ward report
Shawn Nason is the city councillor for Transcona ward.