Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach saw a boost in attendance in 2019.

The museum held its annual general meeting (AGM) this week. Executive Director Gary Dyck says one of the highlights is that 53,000 visitors passed through the gates in 2019, compared to an average year that sees about 47,000.

However, the jump in attendance was not enough to prevent the museum from posting a deficit for the year. According to Dyck, they lost about $91,000 in 2019. Dyck says there are a couple of reasons they ended the year in the red.

“We had some major repairs on the furnaces, that set us back,” he says. “And then also staffing, we had some extra staffing costs.”

Dyck says this year they have been working at bringing those staffing costs under control.

Meanwhile, he says structurally the museum is in a good position. He notes they have a strong space of assets. Also, a Land Use Committee, within the board, has been formed to look at some of the extra space on the grounds or adjacent plots which could serve as a revenue stream for the museum.

For the first time in the history of the museum, MHV held a virtual AGM this year. Dyck says about 30 people took part, which is down from an average of 50 that show up each year.

Following the AGM, the board looks slightly different. After nine years, President Willie Peters had to step down.

“It’s been a good nine years,” says Dyck. “So of course, we wish him well.”

Marlene Reimer and Jeremy Peters have also stepped down.

New board members this year are Carlee Friesen, Erin Unger and John Fehr. Matt Wieler was re-elected to another term.

Doris Penner is the new President, while Glen Klassen is Vice President.