The Gerhard Enns Gallery at the Mennonite Heritage Village will feature a new exhibit called ‘Mennonites At War.’

According to Senior Curator Andrea Klassen, the exhibit explores the various responses the Mennonite community has had toward war and violence over its nearly 500-year history.

“It's a very controversial or contentious issue between Mennonites: Do we care whether we go to war or not? Do we care if in the past we've joined the military or being a conscientious objector?” Klassen says about the rationale for the exhibit. She continues, “So it's putting these two points into conversation with each other, and I think that's something important for the community to deal with uncomfortable topics in our history and places where we've disagreed.”

The story of the Mennonite experience with war and conflict is told in the exhibit’s four sections representing different perspectives: martyrs, migrants, soldiers and objectors.

ur response to violence is, and if there is something to be said for seeking an alternative... Are there alternative ways of thinking about problems that we can deal with one another in a peaceful way and come to peaceful solutions over big topics?”

The exhibit was originally scheduled to launch on June 5th with a premiere and fundraiser to restore the Chortitz Housebarn in the Village. However, Klassen says the launch will be pushed to July 11th, subject to prevailing public health restrictions.

She goes on to say that a timed ticketed entry into the gallery will be in place to ensure low group sizes. Ticket holders will receive a personal highlight tour of the exhibit from Klassen and the curatorial assistant, and then receive a tour and presentation on the Chortitz Housebarn.