Sipiweske
Museum
Housed in the original office
building of the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company that
were built in 1901, the building is now designated a
municipal heritage building and is located across the
street from the present offices. The Sipiweske Museum
not only highlights the history of the Mutual, but
several other areas of the community’s past.
The word "Sipiweske" is Cree for
"light through the trees" and was the original name of
the town. After some controversy, the name of the town
was changed to Wawanesa, which is believed to be Cree
for “Whip-poor-will”.
The museum is maintained by a
non-profit board and contains an interesting array of
artifacts from the early history of the town, and of the
country. It contains many Native artifacts, as well as
ones from the first settlers of which most have been
donated.
Some of the displays you’ll find
in the museum include:
- Alonzo Fowler Kempton,
the founder of the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
in 1895 is “working” at his roll top desk, surrounded
by treasures from the company’s past.
- A tribute to Nellie
McClung who was a famous author and activist that has
earned her recognition as one of Canada’s heroes of
the 20th century.
- The Leigh Collection is
an exquisite collection of white christening gowns and
dresses.
- There is a collection of
items from the Criddle and Vane families from Aweme on
display, including a Browning telescope from England
that Percy Criddle used to view Haley’s Comet in
1910.
Sipiweske Museum is located at
102-4th Street
Regular Hours (July & August)
1 - 6 pm & 7 - 9 pm Ph. 824-2289
Tours can be arranged during May,
June, September or October by calling 824-2244 and is
closed during the winter months.
Admission: Adults - $1.00
Children - 50 cents
