News Post

The Hillcrest Museum Receives Communities Foundation Donation

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As one of the twenty selected communities to receive an anniversary grant, our Western Financial Group Souris team, knew right away where they wanted to give their funds. The Souris team has dedicated all of their fundraising efforts for 2021 to raise funds for the Hillcrest Museum, Reach for the Top fundraising drive. On top of the anniversary grant, the Souris team will also be gifting the museum an additional $1,575.

The Hillcrest Museum in Souris, Manitoba, was formally known as Squire Hall. Built-in 1910 by Fred and Maud Sowden. In 1968 a group of volunteers turned it into a museum and in 1990 the Federal, provincial and Municipal Governments declared it a National Historic site. It is now recognized as one of Canada’s most historic properties, the museum tours approximately 2000 visitors from around the world in the summer months each year.

The history and placement of Hillcrest are part of what makes Souris so unique. The design of the building is reminiscent of the castles of England and it is situated right beside the swinging bridge, another Souris landmark. The museum is an integral part of our community as it celebrates and promotes the awareness of the historical richness of Souris and the surrounding area. It houses historical artifacts and records and is also an agricultural museum. The museum provides school tours, as well as holds seasonal community events. It is a significant tourist attraction which helps support our local businesses as well as providing summer jobs for our students.

Over the years the roof has been an ongoing concern with small repairs being carried out in order to mitigate the problems of a flat roof. Now, after many years of patching, the main roof and smaller roof to the south both need to be replaced, and due to this, there has already been water damage done to the interior that now also needs attention. Estimates for repairs are upwards of $100,000.