THUNDER BAY – Lois Garrity has heard a lot of people tell her they are grateful the Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Village remains open.
The historical facility on Highway 61, which has faced the threat of closure in the past couple years, opened for the season this weekend.
The grand opening on Saturday attracted hundreds of attendees and while less than desirable weather made for a quiet Sunday, Garrity is pleased the facility still resonates for so many people.
“They come out here and they wander around and come back and say it feels like being back at home again,” said Garrity, who is the museum’s curator.
The pioneer village ran into financial trouble two years ago when, facing reported debts of about $45,000, the volunteer board all resigned in November 2013.
That prompted a takeover by the municipality of Oliver Paipoonge in April 2014, which covered the debts and developed a plan to make the facility sustainable.
The museum and village reopened last August, hosting visitors on weekends until the middle of September.
With the municipality overseeing operations it is believed the facility is back on stable ground.
Garrity believes the journey back in time still has value.
“People can come in and we’ll tour them around, showing them everything we have here,” she said.
“It’s a great place for kids to come to learn how their ancestors used to live and it’s pretty hands-on. There’s a lot of stuff they can pick up and look at.”
The village has seven buildings, including the recreated train station, that house and showcase artifacts from past ways of life. Included in the village’s offerings are a mock general store, clothing store, photography studio, newspaper building, dental office and a blacksmith’s shop
The museum and village will be open Friday-Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. throughout the summer.
Hall rentals and group tours during off-hours can be arranged through the Oliver Paipoonge municipal office.
