3 heritage buildings are being restored at Mennonite Heritage Village

It has been an exceptionally busy summer at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach as heritage buildings are getting some special attention. 

Crews have been carefully working to restore some of the aging buildings. 

“They're either replicas or they are original buildings,” says Robert Goertzen, program manager at the museum. “They are made of wood, and wood deteriorates. So there has to be a constant cycle of renewing and refinishing, and so this is really exciting.” 

He believes it has been around 10 to 15 years since some of these buildings last saw a fresh coat of paint. 

“As we know, all paint deteriorates when it's out in the elements and so we want to continue to offer these heritage buildings in the state that they would have been in when people were using them actively in the community.” 

And a lot of restoration work has been taking place during the past few months. 

“We are really excited to see the progress that's been made this summer,” says Goertzen. “We have four separate projects that are on the go. In the village, the print shop is getting a new floor and a renewal on the inside.” 

He notes the print shop will be reimagined so visitors can get a better idea of the print shops of the past. 

“That one is well on its way,” Goertzen reports. “I would say in the next few weeks, we will be able to take down the fence barriers and let people back in again, but that's still ongoing.” 

The Livery Barn Restaurant got a new coat of paint this summer. 

“So, it looks red again. It had faded to some version of pink and we're just really, really thrilled to see it brighten up again,” Goertzen says.  

A lot of work is going into the General Store, more than the fresh paint on the exterior of the building. 

“We've already worked on the inside to insulate it and make it a year-round facility. So, there is lots of new enthusiasm and excitement about what the possibilities are for the General Store.” 

Goertzen will focus on renewing the front of the Village Centre during the month of September. He appreciates each person who has been working with them to these projects done. 

“We've been really, really blessed to have wonderful contractors who not only do a great job but also care about the museum,” he says. “So, they understand that we want to keep things as heritage as possible. We also want to keep people safe.” 

So, while working on these restoration projects, Goertzen says they wanted to minimize any intrusion on activities and tours. 

He says they are ready for a lot of visitors on Monday as they demonstrate typical fall activities for Mennonite Pioneers with Fall on the Farm.

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