Latest news with #DalnavertMuseum
Winnipeg Free Press
07-08-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Free Press Head Start for Aug. 7, 2025
Sunny, with increasing cloudiness this afternoon. Local smoke. High 29 C. Humidex 34. UV index 7 or high. Winnipeg has blazed its way to its smokiest year on record — and there are still nearly three months remaining in the wildfire season. The city had recorded 306 smoke hours as of Tuesday, compared with 304 in 1961. Kevin Rollason has more here. Winnipeg recorded its smokiest month ever, with 189 smoke hours in July. (Mike Deal / Free Press files) What's happening today Today at 2 p.m., take a stroll and learn some local history at Poverty and Prosperity: A Walk Down Early 1900s Broadway beginning at The Forks. Tickets are $15 and can be found here (as well as additional dates and times for the tour). This walk takes history-hungry visitors on a trek from the Alloway Arch at The Forks to Dalnavert Museum (61 Carleton St.), the former home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald. Today's must-read For the first time in her 50-plus years in Thompson, Mayor Colleen Smook is hearing residents ask when winter is coming, even though there's still plenty of summer left. Some wildfires in northern Manitoba may not be extinguished until snow begins falling later this year, if higher temperatures and dry conditions continue, she said. 'This could go on until we get some decent snowfall and colder temperatures,' Smook told the Free Press Wednesday. Chris Kitching has the story. Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook is hoping for significant rainfall, and no lightning strikes, in the coming days. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files) On the bright side Housing advocates say the province needs more social-housing projects to address the homelessness crisis in Manitoba. Construction on a 23-unit apartment building at 480 Young St. was underway Wednesday. The aim is to house up to 40 homeless and at-risk individuals and families by the end of 2025. Ontario-based charity Raising the Roof bought the derelict property in November and began renovations in May. It's the second project the non-profit has undertaken in Winnipeg. Nicole Buffie has more here. Leslie Bellingham, director of strategic partnerships and initiatives for Raising the Roof (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press) On this date On Aug. 7, 1952: The Winnipeg Free Press reported Manitoba premier D.L. Campell called a last-minute meeting between Winnipeg mayor Garnet Coulter and union leader Leon Mitchell as well as the provincial minister of labour to avert a strike by civic workers. Four children died near Gladstone after a sandy cave they had been playing in collapsed. A U.S. embargo against Canadian meat and cattle owing to an outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease looked unlikely to be lifted until 1953. Read the rest of this day's paper here. Search our archives for more here. Today's front page Get the full story: Read today's e-edition of the Free Press .
Winnipeg Free Press
05-08-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
A cure for boredom
The tour's title might have sent the Victorian home's original inhabitants into a fit of the vapours. Luckily, Dalnavert on Drugs might also have the remedy. (Likely, laudanum or an alcoholic tonic.) A brainchild of a former summer intern, Dalnavert on Drugs unfolds every Friday and Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. in former Manitoba premier Hugh John Macdonald's family residence, also known as Dalnavert Museum. It's a lively, educational and gently satirical portrait of Victorians' use of intoxicating 'patent medicines' and exotic everyday remedies to treat common sicknesses and conditions — sometimes as spurious as the medicines themselves. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Inés Bonacossa shows some highlights of the Dalnavert on Drugs tour at the museum. Is your busy society wife suffering from 'hysteria' or some other form of 'female weakness'? Try Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. With its heavy dose of morphine sulfate, it might also just be the thing to quiet your teething baby. A little goes a long way. And, you a Winnipeg businessman overworked from parcelling out prairie land, have you, too, come down with a bout of 'nervous exhaustion'? That sounds emasculating, but a few shots of Dr. Hostetter's Stomach Bitters (47 per cent hard liquor) should restore your masculine vitality in no time. 'Unfortunately, there are no samples available,' jokes Inés Bonacossa, the tour's permanent guide, as she steps into the dark and thickly ornate home at 61 Carlton St. A maximum of five people are allowed on the tour at one time — no one under 16 is allowed, because of the tour's discussions of drug use, addictions and illness. Ordinarily, Dalnavert's tours explore the life and lifestyle of a more provincial figure bearing the name of one of Canada's most powerful politicians. Hugh John was John A.'s son and ventured west looking to chart his own course at a time when Winnipeg resonated with great economic promise. It was a move made not only by many working-class labourers, immigrants and unemployed men, but many lawyers, bankers, land speculators and members of the so-called Laurentian class looking to get in on the city's explosive growth tied to rail, grain and trade. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS The medicine cabinet in the Macdonald bathroom holds a collection of exotic remedies. A lawyer by profession, Hugh John Macdonald twice served as a military officer to help quell Louis Riel's Métis-led rebellions (1869–70 and 1885). He held key roles in Winnipeg's conservative scene — first as an MP, serving in Charles Tupper's cabinet, then briefly as Manitoba's premier in 1900 and then, finally, was appointed Winnipeg's police magistrate in 1911 — before his death in 1929. Though an illustrious local figure, Hugh John's reserved style couldn't match the charisma of his father, and some saw him saw him as a partial waste of such a pedigree. A visit to the museum will likely impress you with some of this history, but these details fade into the background in Dalnavert on Drugs. When Bonacossa delivers this tour rather than the regular one, she isn't discussing the Macdonalds — who may or may not have relied on patent medicines — but she offers no less a vivid picture of early Winnipeg's culture and society. 'The tour is about how drugs were used depending on your social class and gender and race. How manufacturers made their products stand out by using ads that were frighteningly effective because they were always portrayed with very idyllic scenes with small children, very angelic looking, or beautiful women who looked absolutely lovely drinking something or other,' she says. As she guides the visitor through the two-storey home in Queen Anne Revival style, she'll pull out laminated copies of old patent medicine labels — charming works of kitsch, where all the children, as Bonacossa points out, seem to have curly hair. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Inés Bonacossa with a bottle of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. While some of these drugs — such as arsenic and lead-based cosmetics, promising pale skin and signifying a life indoors — seemed clearly marketed at the bourgeoisie, others cut across class lines. The tired labourer and businessman could both find respite at the end of the day in the calming effects of opiates and glorified booze, free from pesky warnings or strict dosage directions. 'There was nothing in those ads that warned anyone at a time when so many could not afford to see a physician. The images were enough to convince somebody,' says Bonacossa. Though, as Bonacossa says, opiate- and alcohol-based remedies were not generally taken socially, they did provide something of a workaround to the era's rising anti-alcohol tendencies. The temperance movement, which drew many Victorian reformists and suffragettes such as Winnipegger Nellie McClung, had gained strong footing in Canada by the late 19th century, especially in the prairie provinces. Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. The movement pushed for moral reform and legislation against drinking, which it believed to be a root cause of domestic violence and poverty. 'They managed to rebrand wine, calling it a tonic, because that made it legitimate. Then, physicians prescribed tonic,' Bonacossa says. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Inés Bonacossa, Dalnavert Museum collections registrar and specialty tour guide, with a 19th century opium bottle. Bonacossa's tour ends, fittingly, in the Macdonald bathroom in front of the medicine cabinet — a treasure trove of exotic remedies with charming labels and curious ingredients. Other Dalnavert tours — such as its regular guided tours and longer Behind the Ropes tours, which let visitors step into areas that are usually off-limits — have different trajectories and are part of the museum's evolving downtown programming, offered since the museum opened in 1974. Conrad SweatmanReporter Conrad Sweatman is an arts reporter and feature writer. Before joining the Free Press full-time in 2024, he worked in the U.K. and Canadian cultural sectors, freelanced for outlets including The Walrus, VICE and Prairie Fire. Read more about Conrad. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
What's up: Dalnavert, Postmodern Jukebox, Lana Winterhalt, Grant's Old Mill's 50th, food tour
Are you kicking yourself for missing another First Friday? Each month, the Dalnavert Museum opens its doors for free on the Second Saturday. Built in 1895, the Victorian era manor was painstakingly restored — it's always either lovingly or painstakingly, huh? — in the 1970s before becoming a national historic site in 1990. On every second Saturday, the museum and visitor centre runs free games and craft activities while also offering a chance to explore what's considered one of Western Canada's finest examples of Queen Anne Revival architecture. — Ben Waldman Postmodern Jukebox brings its Magic and Moonlight Tour to Winnipeg on Saturday. Led by American musician, pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee, Postmodern Jukebox is a musical collective that reimagines modern-day pop hits as 1920s jazz, swing, doo-wop and Motown classics. In the early 2010s, Bradlee began experimenting with these throwback covers on YouTube — but it was 2013's 1930s jazz-inspired cover of Macklemore's Thrift Shop that first went viral. Sold-out live performances all over North America and Europe followed and now, a decade on, Postmodern Jukebox is bringing its Magic and Moonlight Tour to Winnipeg. Any genre, any era, you name it, they've (probably) done it; covers of everyone from Chappell Roan to Radiohead to Green Day to Celine Dion have all appeared on recent PMJ setlists. As Bradlee recently told the Pacific Northwest Inlander, 'You're gonna hear basically 100 years of popular music styles in 100 minutes.' Concertgoers are also encouraged to dress in their best vintage threads (any era acceptable) to achieve the full effect. — Jen Zoratti Megan Wilson photo Indie-pop artist Lana Winterhalt Megan Wilson photo Indie-pop artist Lana Winterhalt The Handsome Daughter has never been content to just sit pretty. But the freshly renovated West Broadway bar – best known as one of Winnipeg's premiere punk, hardcore and metal venues – has been getting extra experimental lately. Among its growing variety of eclectic programming it's added is Garage Days, a free two-set acoustic concert every Sunday in July. If you're not at the folk fest this weekend, consider checking out folk flavoured indie-popper Lana Winterhalt. ('Like Feist, but more self-obsessed!' reads her website.) In their glowing review of Winterhalt's latest record, Recovering Theatre Kid, the magazine Exclaim! writes: 'Pairing heartfelt lyrics with tender and memorable melodies, Winterhalt deserves a standing ovation.' Handsome Daughter's intimate patio may not accommodate a full house, but the warmth and talent emanating from last Sunday's concert drew plenty of passersby from the neighbourhood. They provided a standing ovation of sorts, cheering the performers from the sidewalk and across the street. — Conrad Sweatman SASHA SEFTER / FREE PRESS Grant's Old Mill is on the Sturgeon Creek Greenway Trail. SASHA SEFTER / FREE PRESS Grant's Old Mill is on the Sturgeon Creek Greenway Trail. The replica of a water-powered grain mill, originally built and operated by Métis leader Cuthbert Grant in 1829, turns 50 years old this year — and on Saturday Grant's Old Mill will play host to all manner of activities to celebrate a half century of the historic site. Located on Sturgeon Creek just off of Portage Avenue (in front of Grace Hospital), Grant's Old Mill is located roughly in the same spot as the original mill, which operated between about 1829 and 1832. The site now offers demonstrations on how flour mills operated, as well as historical information about Grant and his fellow Métis. The Cuthbert Grant Day celebrations kick off at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast that runs until 11 — get your fill for just $5. Throughout the rest of the day there will be free entertainment, including a jigging contest, a market featuring Métis and Scottish artisans, live music from fiddlers and pipers (as well as Catie St. Germain), cultural demonstrations and more. With the exception of the pancake breakfast, all events are free — bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the green space around Grant's Old Mill all day. — Ben Sigurdson Blu Fish is a Japanese sushi restaurant on Bannatyne Avenue. Blu Fish is a Japanese sushi restaurant on Bannatyne Avenue. Ready, steady, eat your way through menus of Blu Fish, Amsterdam Tea Room and Deer + Almond during the Savour the Exchange Food Tour, which takes place every Wednesday evening throughout the summer until August 27. Dig into to maki rolls, sashimi and tempura at the Japanese sushi restaurant on Bannatyne Avenue then head to the Exchange's famed cocktail spot Amsterdam Tea Room to sample some of their best offerings before meandering down to small plate maestros Deer + Almond on Princess St. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and most imporatantly, and don't forget to bring your appetite. Advance booking required. — AV Kitching
CTV News
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Victorian-era museum offering free programming to explore the past
Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) A Victorian-era museum in downtown Winnipeg is offering free programming on the second Saturday of each month, allowing visitors to explore the past. The Dalnavert Museum was built in 1895 and was home to the Macdonald family, Agnes and Hugh John Macdonald, along with their children. Hugh John was the son of the first prime minister of Canada, John A. Macdonald. Samantha Machado, museum services manager, said the free programming includes Victorian-era-themed games, crafts and a self-guided tour of the historic house. 'It's an awesome opportunity for lots of different people from all sorts of walks of life to come and get to explore a little bit more about Winnipeg's early history,' said Machado. Expand Autoplay 1 of 8 Dalnavert Museum Outside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Outside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Outside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Dalnavert Museum Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg) Machado said the museum offers a glimpse into what an upper-middle-class house would have looked like during the Victorian-era. Outside of the house, Machado said the garden is also supposed to evoke the style of a garden around 1895. The free programming, called 'Second Saturdays,' is year-round, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer months and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting in September. Machado said the programming activities change from month to month. 'No matter how old, how young, you'll definitely get something out of it.' For museum hours and admission rates, visit the Dalnavert Museum's website.
