Explore a collection of over 17,000 items that bring Russian Mennonite history to life. From delicate textiles to well-worn pioneer tools, these objects form the heart of Mennonite Heritage Village.
The collection spans everyday household items, clothing, vehicles, and the historic buildings of the Outdoor Village. Together, they trace the journey of Russian Mennonites from The Netherlands, through Prussia and Imperial Russia, and ultimately to Manitoba.
Carefully preserved by our curatorial team, these artefacts connect past and present, offering meaningful insight into Mennonite history, culture, and community.
The artefacts featured are just a small sample of our collection, with more being added regularly.
The 1938 McLaughlin Buick Special was built in Regina, Saskatchewan and purchased new by Peter and Maria Thiessen from the Altona GMC. It quickly became a hard-working vehicle, transporting the family everywhere and even hauling livestock on a custom-built trailer. It was fully restored by members of the family in 2005 and was donated to the museum in 2026.
Read more about this artefact in our Village News.
Donated by: Elmer B. Harder
The Chortitz Housebarn was constructed in 1892 in the village of Chortitz, southwest of Winkler, Manitoba. It was built by Jacob Teichroeb, who immigrated from Russia in 1876, for his wife and seven children. Jacob sold the home in 1903 and eventually moved to Mexico.
Housebarns like this were common in Mennonite settlements because they were less expensive to build than two separate structures, conserved the heat better, and made choring more convenient.
The building was moved to Mennonite Heritage Village in 1967. It had to be separated into two parts prior to transport, and steps were taken upon arrival to ensure preservation and historical authenticity.
Notebook with Fraktur art made by Peter Sawadski between 1834 and 1846.
Donated by: Albert Rempel, Ethelwyn Rempel
Written by Gerhard B. Doerksen (1825-1882) in Imperial Russia in 1870 at the age of 45 years. In 1875, they moved to Canada and settled in the Hochstadt area, south of current Kleefeld.
Donated by: Garth Doerksen
5 Kopek solid copper coin minted by Catherine the Great (II). The reverse has the double-headed eagle of the Romanov family, minted in Annensk. This one coin could buy a cow.
Donated by: Ernest N. Braun
1 Kopek coin minted by Nicholas II. It was brought to Manitoba by Mennonite settlers.
Donated by: Unknown
Steam tractors transformed the nature of farming for Mennonites. This steamer was originally used in Lac Seul, Ontario to drive a sawmill for a nearby dam, then was abandoned in 1935.
Donated by: N/A
A model of the river boat International, which carried Mennonites on the final legs of the journey to Manitoba. Peter A. Plett made this model between 1985-1989.
Donated by: Dan Warkentin
Donated by: N/A
Crokinole was one of the many family games that Mennonites played. Interestingly, they tended not to play cards. Crokinole was invented in 1876 in a small Mennonite community in Ontario.
Donated by: Peter Goertzen
This is an oil painting of a Mennonite farm scene near Niverville (East Reserve). The steam engine changed the nature of farming in Manitoba, and Mennonites were early adopters.
Donated by: Derksen Printers
This chair was made using a design popular when the Mennonites lived in Prussia (now Poland). David Falk built this chair using local wood in Manitoba.
Donated by: John Schellenberg