The Executive Director for Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach says their ambitious fundraising campaign brought in more than $2.3 million.

In September of 2015, the museum launched Foundations for a Strong Future: Faith, Family and Community. The goal of this campaign was to raise $3 million. At the time it was said the money would go towards construction of a summer pavilion, restoration of the Waldheim House, replacement of furnaces and air conditioners in their main building, debt repayment and enhancement of their endowment fund.

(MHV Executive Director Gary Dyck)The museum held its 54th annual general meeting Tuesday night. At the meeting, Executive Director Gary Dyck announced the Foundations campaign officially wrapped up December 31, 2018 at just over $2.3 million.

"That was wonderful to see that come in," says Dyck. "The support behind MHV is amazing to see what can all come in within three years."

Thanks to the campaign, Dyck says they have been able to trim their deficit to $200,000.

"I don't think it will take much more and we'll be able to get rid of that deficit completely," he says.

One of the highlights announced Tuesday night is that the museum welcomed 46,072 visitors in 2018. That is up from 40,527 in 2017.

Looking ahead to 2019, Dyck says their theme for this year is Russlaender. He notes this refers to the Mennonites that came from Russia post 1920. He notes it is a story of immigrants who had to flee quickly, leaving their homes behind.

Dyck says they will be opening an exhibit in the Gerhard Ens gallery sometime in May, centered around the Russlaender theme. The exhibit will include a three walled kitchen, a piano shipped from Germany and paintings.

"Part of the exhibit will be done by Eastman Immigrant Services where some of the more recent immigrants to Steinbach and area will be telling their story and sharing maybe an artifact from their own family," he adds.

A Russlaender tribute and fundraiser is being planned for May 25th.

Also Tuesday night, Scott Barkman, Doris Penner, Waldemar Ens and Glen Klassen were all re-elected to the board by acclamation.

The outdoor village and Livery Barn restaurant will open for the season on May 1st. Dyck says by then, repairs to the windmill deck should be complete. He notes the deck was rotting and no longer safe for public use. New treated wood has been brought in and Dyck says the task of replacing the boards should be done in the coming days.