The Executive Director for Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach says the future looks optimistic even though the museum reported a sizeable financial loss for 2022.
The museum held its annual general meeting Tuesday night, attracting about 35 people.
Gary Dyck says 2022 ended up being their busiest year ever at the museum. He notes part of that can be attributed to the excitement for a return to normal following the pandemic. He adds the museum also offered more winter activities and held its first-ever Peace Trek fundraiser.
But, while these initiatives helped to bring in more revenue, Dyck says they also add to their expenses. So much so, that the museum ended the year with a loss of $98,768. Dyck says MHV's debt now sits at about $207,000.
Dyck says there are three main reasons for why MHV ended 2022 in the red. As mentioned, he says one factor was the higher expenses from the busier year. Another reason is higher wages and then added costs from building and equipment maintenance.
But even though Dyck says it is somewhat concerning to post a financial loss like that, he refers to 2022 as a building year and says there is reason for optimism. For example, Dyck is hopeful they can double the number of participants in this year's Peace Trek. He is also hoping for a better turnout in their spring gala. Dyck adds they will also need to be more efficient in the delivery of their programs and services.
Dyck adds their endowment fund is also starting to show fruition. He notes they used to get about $1,500 in dividends, but last year hit nearly $10,000.
Though the museum posted a net loss, Dyck says in 2022 they took in considerably more grant dollars than what has been the norm. He says the museum used to receive about $150,000 in grants. However, in the last three years, that total has been more like $500,000 annually. But Dyck says those grant dollars are for projects, events and festivities and not for general operations.
Looking ahead, Dyck says 2024 will be a milestone year for Mennonite Heritage Village. Not only is that the 150th anniversary of the Mennonites first arriving in Manitoba, but Dyck says it will also mark the 60th anniversary for the museum.
Meanwhile, the board for MHV has welcomed Conrad Stoesz and Carlin Thiessen, replacing Sid Reimer and Christian Peters.