Explore Seven Oaks history

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This article was published 30/05/2016 (3400 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Seven Oaks House Museum has thrown open its doors for the 2016 season, which includes several noteworthy dates to mark on your calendar.

The season launched on May 21 with an influx of visitors who came to see the historic home that originally belonged to John Inkster, Mary Sinclair Inkster and their nine children. The family ran a post office and general store, which are still included on the property.

As one of the oldest surviving residences in the province, the museum provides a glimpse into life during the early settlement of the area in the 19th century.

“The house was built in the 1850s and it’s one of the few remaining examples of Red River frame architecture. That was the style of house that was built during the early days of the Red River settlement, which was basically the start of Winnipeg and Manitoba in terms of European settlement,” said museum manager Eric Napier Strong.

“It’s a historic home and it’s been redecorated with artifacts appropriate to the period, so it’s basically what the Inksters’ home would’ve looked like if you’d stopped in to pay them a visit in the 1850s.”

Located in West Kildonan at 50 Mac St., the museum is open seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the season wraps up on Labour Day. Admission is by donation, and tour guides are on hand to add insight to the experience.

On Sun., June 12, the museum will host an open house and community appreciation barbecue from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature free food and live entertainment, including a historical band and historical re-enactments.

“It’s all free so we’d like everyone to show up,” Napier Strong said.

The following weekend marks a major milestone in local history, since June 19 is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Seven Oaks.

“The battle happened just down the street from our museum. The North West Company were the enemies of the Hudson Bay Company in the fur-trade era,” Napier Strong said.

“The two groups met and got into a battle and a number of people were killed. Seven Oaks is named after the area where this battle occurred.”

For more information about Seven Oaks House Museum, which recently was recently designated as a provincial heritage site, call 204-339-7429. Information is also posted on Instagram @SevenOaksHouse and on the Facebook page entitled “SevenOaksHouseMuseum.”