’50 years on, museum continues to protect Manitoba’s maritime heritage’

The Marine Museum of Manitoba in Selkirk, Manitoba is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a grand opening event marking the start of its 2024 season. Minister of Sports, Culture and Heritage Glen Simard and other community leaders were in attendance to kick off the milestone year.

Duane Nicol, Chair of the Marine Museum of Manitoba Board of Directors, expressed his excitement for the anniversary, highlighting the dedication of the museum’s founding leaders and looking forward to a new chapter for the institution. The museum is dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of Manitoba through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events.

With 50 years of operation under its belt, the museum is now showcasing new displays and updated programs. Museum Manager Shay Nordal, who has been with the museum for 30 years, shared that the museum originally opened in 1974 with two ships on land next to the Red River, serving as a point of pride for Selkirk.

In addition to these improvements, there are plans to move the ships indoors to allow the museum to be open year-round, instead of just from May to September. Duane Nicol emphasized the vision of having the ships as a permanent fixture in the community, ensuring their protection for future generations.

Since its establishment in 1972 and opening in 1974, the Marine Museum of Manitoba has become one of Selkirk’s top tourism destinations, welcoming over 50,000 visitors annually. It showcases the history and operation of marine life on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River from 1850 to the present day, offering a unique glimpse into Manitoba’s maritime heritage.