The Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) in Steinbach held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, April 9, 2025.
Board President Willie Peters couldn't attend in person, though he participated via phone, with Matt Wieler, Chair of Finance, stepping in to lead the meeting. About 30 people attended the AGM, where they heard updates on the museum’s progress, financial outlook, and exciting plans for the coming year.
A Year of Teamwork and Growth
Executive Director Robert Goertzen started the evening with opening remarks.
"An annual general meeting is an opportunity for friends, supporters, and the community to hear about the year that was. It also helps us to think about the possibilities for the future," said Goertzen. "It's a privilege to be part of a community that appreciates and supports us."
He reflected on the museum's strong year, including well-attended events like free admission days, author evenings, and heritage festivals.
"We've seen hundreds of people volunteering to help us, and it's a wonderful time to gather as a community," Goertzen added.
One of the most notable celebrations of 2024 was the museum’s 60th anniversary. Goertzen highlighted several special initiatives marking this milestone, including a fundraising Spring Gala, which successfully raised money for the museum’s ongoing work, and a concert with the Eastman Male Choir in December.
"It was a year to reflect on our past and also to listen to the stories of our community," Goertzen shared.
In addition to the 60th anniversary, the museum also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Mennonite settlers to Manitoba in 1874. This historic milestone was commemorated with a new exhibit, “Mennonite Reflections: Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago,” which told the story of the first Mennonites who made the long journey to settle in Manitoba.
"This exhibit was a powerful reminder of our roots and the deep connection we have to our history," Goertzen said.
Financial Health and the Path Forward
Matt Wieler, Chair of Finance, provided a detailed update on the museum’s financial performance over the past year. He acknowledged that 2024 had been a challenging year for the museum financially but noted several positive trends that had emerged.
"In 2024, we definitely saw a really good team approach," Wieler said. "We added new members to our board and saw a lot of concentrated effort to make sure 2025 would be a promising year for the museum. It was a rewarding experience to watch the board, staff, leadership, and grounds crew come together to make that happen."
Despite facing financial challenges, the museum benefited significantly from the generosity of donors. Wieler highlighted a substantial donation of $400,000 that greatly impacted the museum’s bottom line. This bequest accounted for about one-third of the museum’s overall income for 2024.
"That was a large part of why we were able to report higher-than-expected donations for the year," he explained.
The funds from this donation were carefully allocated, with a portion going into the museum’s operating budget, while the balance remains in a separate account for future use. Wieler emphasized the importance of having a clear financial strategy moving forward.
"We're proposing a balanced budget for 2025, and we feel confident that, with the team we have, we can manage our finances responsibly and keep moving forward," he said.
Meanwhile, Executive Director Robert Goertzen notes that one of the major expenditures for 2024 was the ongoing maintenance of the museum’s heritage buildings and exhibits.
Goertzen detailed some of the key improvements, including the completion of the village street renewal project, which saw updates to the Print Shop, General Store, and Livery Barn Restaurant.
"We also did essential windmill maintenance, ensuring this working piece of equipment continues to function," Goertzen said. "We’re committed to preserving these important pieces of history."
Goertzen also discussed the challenges of operating a weather-dependent museum, particularly when wet spring and summer conditions or cold winter weather limit visitor numbers. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the museum’s continued relevance and appeal.
"Our retail sales have remained strong, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage visitors and provide them with keepsakes of their visit," he said
Looking Ahead to 2025: Budget and Financial Goals
As the meeting progressed, attention turned to the financial outlook for 2025.
The finance committee proposed a budget of $1.65 million for the coming year, slightly lower than the $1.71 million budgeted in 2024. Wieler explained that the budget had been carefully reviewed and adjusted to ensure the museum’s financial health.
"We’ve worked hard to understand where we stand financially, and we believe we have a good structure in place to prevent any potential issues," he said.
A significant portion of the museum’s income comes from donations, and while Wieler acknowledged that fundraising goals can be difficult to predict, he expressed confidence in the museum’s ability to achieve its goals.
"For 2025, we’ve set a fundraising target of $450,000, but we know this will be a stretch," he said. "Based on historical trends, we’re comfortable with the idea that we’ll likely achieve $350,000, but anything beyond that will require extra effort."
A member of the audience raised a question about potential impacts from American tariffs, particularly in relation to the museum’s retail sales. Robert Goertzen reassured the audience that the museum’s local purchasing strategy helps minimize the impact of tariffs.
"We primarily work with Canadian distributors for our retail items, so while there may be some indirect effects, we’re not as exposed to tariff issues as some businesses might be," he explained.
Acknowledging Volunteers and Board Members
The evening also included the recognition of volunteers and board members. Matt Wieler paid special tribute to Doris Penner, who has been a dedicated volunteer for many years.
"Doris has been an invaluable resource for the museum. She’s always willing to lend a hand whenever needed, and we are so grateful for her dedication," Wieler said.
The board also recognized Waldy Enns, who received a 9-year service certificate for his contributions to the museum.
Challenges and Financial Transparency: A Conversation with Board President Willie Peters
In a follow-up conversation with Willie Peters, Board President, he addressed the museum’s ongoing financial situation.
"The final audited papers are not in yet, but we’re taking this very seriously," Peters said. "We’ve had a tough time financially in the past, and we know there’s still a balance owing. We’re not hiding anything, and we’re committed to transparency moving forward."
Peters emphasized that the museum’s financial team is working hard to ensure a balanced budget for 2025.
"We need more financial support, and we’re actively working on securing it," he said. "Running an organization like this is difficult, but we are optimistic that, with the right support, we can continue to grow and thrive."
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Mennonite Heritage Village
As the AGM concluded, it was clear that while there are challenges ahead, the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum remains a vital part of the Steinbach community.
With a dedicated staff, engaged volunteers, and a strong financial team, the museum is poised for continued success in 2025 and beyond. The museum’s rich history, ongoing preservation efforts, and deep connection to the community will continue to be a source of pride for generations to come.
Looking forward, Goertzen summed up the collective sentiment.
"We’re in a wonderful place where we can continue to tell our stories, share our heritage, and look ahead to a future full of possibilities. Thank you for your continued support."