Shifting a historical narrative

Broadway-Assiniboine

Volunteers working in a hidden Victoria-era gem off Broadway are aiming to create a respectful community hub with lessons from history and high hopes for a busy summer.

The national historic site now known as Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre (61 Carlton St.) was once home to Hugh John Macdonald — former Manitoba Premier, lawyer, and lone surviving son to Prime Minister John A. Macdonald — his wife Agnes, and two children Isabella and John from 1895 until 1929.

“The house is set up like a time traveller experience,” said Sarah Watkins, executive director of the museum.

The building was acquired by the Manitoba Historical Society in the early 1970s and restored to the best of the architect’s ability to reflect what living there was like for the Macdonald family.

“I try and show people what it was like living here for the family,” said Linda Rigaux, sitting in the family parlour, where the Macdonald’s would entertain guests and enjoy their leisure.

A volunteer tour guide at the museum for the past eight years, Rigaux explained where eldest daughter Isabella may have hosted friends and rolled up the carpet to play piano, listen to music, or dance, in the same room more than 100 years ago.

“I try to build a story around their life,” Rigaux said. “(And) make the tour meet the people (visiting).”

She said people are drawn to Dalnavert for a variety of interests such as architecture aficionados or china collectors. Rigaux told the story of a visitor who spent his life working with hinges and visited the museum specially for the Victorian-era door hinges.

Recently, she’s noticed an increase in international visitors, suggesting the political climate in the United States might be the reason.

“You never who will come through the door,” the Wolseley resident said.

“What I love most about tours is the people we meet,” Rigaux added, noting that part of the reason for her long-time volunteering is her contribution to reconciliation.

“Being here is part of Truth and Reconciliation,” Rigaux said, citing her goal to practice methods from 52 Ways to Reconcile by Winnipeg author, David A. Robertson.

Since controversies surrounding John A. Macdonald’s role as an architect of the residential school system and other racist policies have become more mainstream in recent years, the museum acknowledges it hasn’t been easy being attached to the Macdonald name.

“The house was spared for the (Macdonald) name and architecture,” Watkins said, “but that’s not why we’re still here.”

Watkins has been director for two years now, and says her focus is to be a community space.

“We want to be a hub as a place for people to socialize and learn,” said Watkins.

During tours, she said the Macdonald family is talked about because it was their house, but in her role, she’s tried to expand the museum’s programming to include historically underrepresented groups, like the Spinsters and Suffragists tour that highlights women — not just about the societal expectations for women at the time — and gender diverse people that lived during the era.

In the upcoming summer weeks ahead, the museum has announced several events with the goal of creating something for everyone. Events confirmed at press time include a paint n’ sip, flower pressing and drawing workshops, and architecture lectures. For more information, visit friendsofdalnavert.ca