Corporate body

Fort Garry Historical Society Inc.

1971-2017

The Fort Garry Historical Society (FGHS) was founded in 1971 when Meredith Rattray and her painting group in Fort Garry were looking for a historic building to serve as an art center and a place to have social gatherings. Turrenne House was used for this purpose and as the first location for the FGHS. The FGHS was incorporated in 1973 as a non-profit, and its founding members were: William Ogilvie Swinton Meredith, Patricia June Donoch, Mary Irene Law, Gordon Wilson, Holly Virginia Rattray, Corinne Cecile Tellier, Mary Bonnycastle, Edith May Moore, and Dorothy Ellen Meredith.

The Society's objective was to serve as an educational institution, conduct research, and help establish a museum to collect and maintain artifacts relating to Fort Garry's history.
Between 1973 and 1986, the Society assisted in preserving two additional Fort Garry pioneer homes: Bohémier House and Delorme House. These homes were saved from demolition and donated to the Province of Manitoba by the FGHS. In 1985, the St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park was founded, with these homes as the park's main attractions. A fourth home, Henderson House, originally located on Henderson Highway, was moved to the St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park in 1979 as a temporary location to preserve it.

The FGHS was active in its community, helping the public understand the importance of the historical contributions of people in the making of Fort Garry. The Society held monthly meetings with its members and organized other activities that fostered interest in Fort Garry.

After over 45 years in operation, the FGHS closed its doors in 2017. It transferred its artifacts and other assets to the Province of Manitoba. Administrative records and photographs were donated to the City of Winnipeg Archives.

Draft

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