COLUMN: Village News – Membership is a big deal

We are in the gift-giving season and Mennonite Heritage Village has a great idea, either for yourself or for a family member. Buy yourself a museum membership or buy a family membership for your loved ones, and this gift will be appreciated for a whole year!
Here are six reasons why museum membership is more than just a smart investment- it’s your ticket to a year full of inspiration, exploration, and unique experiences.
1. You Save Money – If you come to MHV two or more times per year, the membership pays for itself by offering free, unlimited access all year long. This includes our large summer festivals like Pioneer Days and Fall on the Farm. As well, you get a discount at the restaurant and at Village Books and Gifts store. If you have camp-aged kids, their registration for Day Camp is discounted as well.
2. You Are the First to Know – All museum members get a weekly email newsletter, informing them about the latest activities at MHV. Whether it is a new exhibit opening, or a workshop offered on Saturdays, or a community event that is planned for the public, members are informed on a regular basis.
3. Discounts on Food and Gifts – Everyone likes a deal. Members show their card at the Livery Barn Restaurant in summer and receive a 10% discount each time they enjoy a perogy dinner, or cabbage borscht with whole wheat bread, or the Sunday buffet. Our store, Village Books and Gifts, offers a 10% discount on all purchases of local books, souvenirs, novelty cards, and cookbooks. Families can use their membership card to get a discounted rate on Pioneer Day Camp registration fees. MHV has rooms for rent for birthday parties and family gatherings and your membership card reduces the cost of the rental. There are savings opportunities wherever you show your Member Card.
4. It’s an Amazing Gift – Our museum membership is a great gift idea. Your children and grandchildren will benefit from a gift that gives all year long. They will have fun learning experiences and lasting memories for a whole year, with the gift of family membership.
5. MHV Membership is Supercharged – Not only does a membership allow you to visit us all year long, admission-free, it also gets you free or reduced admission to 6 other Manitoba Signature Museums. You pay your membership fee once at MHV, and you get to explore museums in other parts of Manitoba. These include the Royal Aviation Museum and the St. Boniface Museum both in Winnipeg, the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, the Manitoba Agricultural Museum in Austin, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon, and the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden. Exploring Manitoba with the MHV membership card is affordable and fun.
6. Supporting a Great Cause – Mennonite Heritage Village has been built by community volunteers who have created a world-class facility, bringing people from around the world to learn about the story of the early Mennonite settlers who arrived in Manitoba in the 19th century and onwards. Hundreds of local volunteers participate as interpreters, carpenters, seamstresses, gardeners, farmers and dozens of other skilled contributors to create wonderful, immersive experiences throughout the year. Becoming a member is an opportunity to become a part of this wonderful place. As a member, you are joining a community, encouraging people at MHV, and playing a part in making MHV, and Steinbach, and Manitoba, a great place to visit and a great place to call home.
Membership Bonus: The 12 days of Christmas! All members, including new members, get a 25% discount on all purchases at Village Books and Gifts from December 12 to December 24.

Upcoming Events:
December 18– 10am to 11am – Exhibit Explorers – Looking for a new and exciting location for story time? Join us at MHV for an engaging morning set among the fascinating artefacts in the Gallery!
December 29 to 31 – Kids’ Winter Day Camp – A three-day winter break camp for ages 6-11 years old. Join us for crafts, games, and pioneer activities. Contact Jaysa Thiessen for more information ( jaysat@mhv.ca ).
January 4 – Join us for a cozy winter afternoon at Christmas on the Farm, hosted by the South East Manitoba Draft Horse Association! Bundle up and enjoy free admission and free sleigh rides through the snowy village streets and warm up with hot dogs and hot chocolate after! Guests are encouraged to bring a tin for the bin in support of local food banks.