The South East Military Museum has been a central hub for anyone to learn about history and how this corner of the province participated in military action. Its two locations around Estevan have been educating the public for years, so they're raising money to keep history alive.
"We're called the South East Military Museum for a reason; because we look after basically the southeast corner. We don't really have a lot of representation from the military and haven't had for a long time. So, I think it's important that we keep the veteran's story alive down in this corner," president and curator Craig Bird expressed.
During the long weekend, the museum will be hosting 'Fun Days in the Country' at their secondary site near the Estevan Airport. The fundraiser boasts a barbecue, a garage sale, a scavenger hunt for kids, and museum tours. Bird promises a full day of fun for everyone for both Saturday and Sunday. "This is kind of the first time we've done this type of format. We've had some scavenger hunts, both the Easter egg hunt as well as the scavenger hunt in the fall, like a scary egg hunt. So, a little bit different format, just to give somebody you know the ability to tour our secondary site, which not everybody does, and have some fun with the kids."
Bird shared that he's been an avid collector of war and military memorabilia for a long time. As a veteran himself, he understands the importance of keeping the history of other soldiers from the southeast alive. He's had the opportunity to hear stories from veterans in Estevan and Regina through his time with The Royal Regina Rifles. He said he's proud to be able to recount their memories and honour them through the museum. "It's typical for veterans not to talk to their family members about their experiences during [their service], especially the wartime era. I think because I've had that opportunity, it just makes it that much more special. I think that information needs to be shared."
"We give the families an opportunity to learn about their loved ones that may have served in the different wars and to keep that memory alive, even after they're gone." -Craig Bird, president and curator, on the importance of the South East Military Museum.
He shared that the museum has helped in different military functions and commemorations throughout the years, thanks in part to their partnership with the local Royal Canadian Legion branch. Some of their projects include adding names to the Cenotaph, their Remembrance Day banners throughout the southeast, and sourcing different World War 1 medals for soldiers from the southeast.
"It's a private museum, so we're we're not funded by any government organization. So anything that we want to do, we need to basically fundraise for. Things like this, we can give back to the community a little bit and you know, people have a fun time and learn more about the museum. If they're so inclined, they can give us a little bit of financial help so that we can continue on with programming."
The event runs on Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the secondary site northeast of the airport.