Cindy McDonald/Submitted
Fort la Reine Museum has wrapped up what staff describe as their fastest fundraiser ever, with community donations surpassing the target to rebuild the Métis Trapper Cabin.
Fundraising and community engagement coordinator Cindy McDonald says the initiative, called Buy a Log, allowed residents and businesses to purchase individual logs for $50 each. The response was swift, and combined with a substantial anonymous donation from a local, the goal of $8,000 was quickly exceeded, reaching nearly $11,000.
“We will start construction of the new Métis Trapper Cabin in the spring of 2026,” notes McDonald. “We couldn’t be happier. The old cabin had to come down because it wasn’t safe anymore, but now it will be rebuilt, and that’s such a huge part of our educational programs.”
Educational value and community support
More than 600 students tour the museum each year, learning local history through hands-on exhibits. McDonald adds that the trapper cabin plays a central role in helping young people connect to the region’s roots.
“It’s about keeping history alive and making sure students and visitors understand the stories behind this area and where it all started,” she says.
The new cabin will be built slightly closer to the Case House within the grounds. Donors will be recognized with plaques on the logs, along with a donor wall listing everyone who contributed.
“We’ll also announce the names on our website, with a huge shout-out to everyone who donated,” adds McDonald.
The new location will be to the right of the old site, in front of the antique oven.
Next campaign: Trading Post restoration
With the trapper cabin project secured, attention now shifts to the museum’s trading post. Built 58 years ago as one of the original fort buildings, it has been closed due to safety concerns.
“Our next fundraiser will launch in September at our Farm to Table event,” continues McDonald. “We’ll be raising $200,000 to rebuild the trading post, which will be a real community hub and the heart of the museum.”
The vision includes authentic details such as old western saloon-style swinging doors and interior features, with hopes of creating a lively, historically themed gathering space.
McDonald says the rapid success of the trapper cabin fundraiser shows how strongly the community supports preserving heritage.
“Thanks to the community and a major donor, we surpassed our goal,” she notes. “Fort la Reine Museum doesn’t receive ongoing government funding, so these projects only happen when people get behind them. It’s really about community.”
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