October 9, 2025
Robert Goertzen
Mennonite Heritage Village is an institution that was created to preserve and exhibit the history of the Mennonites who came to Manitoba in the 1870’s. And there has always been an encouragement for guests to interact with the artefacts which help to tell the story. Some of the most cherished memories at MHV are the times when visitors could try their hand at butter churning or swing a hammer in the blacksmith shop to shape a piece of metal or participate in a Schnetje – making class.
Without visitors and guests, the museum would just be a collection of items and stories in a storage building. So, we focus our attention on creating a positive experience for everyone who enters our premises. Our Visitor Experience Administrator, Jo-Ann Friesen, has been asked to share her thoughts and ideas about making every visit to MHV a positive experience. Below is her perspective.
“Having worked within the nonprofit sector for many years, I was elated at the opportunity to be hired as Reception, Gift Shop and Office Manager for Mennonite Heritage Village in the fall of 2015. With a genuine love for people from all walks of life, retail sales, and customer service excellence, I entered my new role here at the museum with a teachable spirit as well as enthusiasm on how we can excel around the area of our visitor experience.
What exactly is a “Visitor Experience Administrator” you may ask? Well, let me see if I can explain this position adequately.
This role brings all front-end facets under one position. This leadership role overseas the areas of Memberships, Tourist Information, Admissions, Reception, Gift Shop, General Store, Retail Events (Markets, Writers Workshops, Author Reading Events, etc.) and Health & Safety.
Visitor experience is key to how MHV delivers various functions to our local and international communities. My role here is to ensure that we review and enhance all aspects of MHV’s interactions, safety protocols, grounds presentation, and communication within the building and to the greater public. My role is responsible for maintaining a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for all to explore the power of storied places while engaging in hands-on experiences.
We encourage our team to confidently and appropriately answer visitor enquiries, comments, complaints and access requirements. We monitor and maintain the security of the building and safety of the public by fostering a safe environment for all staff and visitors. As the Visitor Experience Administrator, I strive to encourage our staff to deliver a world-class visitor experience by engaging fully with our guests and telling the stories of our collection and exhibitions. I am confident that our remarkable team endeavors to offer a warm welcome to all visitors to the Museum, from school groups and tourists to museum aficionados and visiting scholars.
I love being a part of a unique, extremely talented, and fun staff that truly care about the museum’s success and each other as individuals. From festivals to smaller events like the “Writing Your Memoir” Workshop, just hosted by Village Books & Gifts, we work collaboratively to ensure each event is brought to fruition smoothly. Our large extended team of volunteers is simply priceless. Their endeavors help MHV present our stories as well as preserve the past. I love the many conversations I have personally had with guests from all over the world, who relate to MHV’s mission statement “To preserve for present and future generations, the experience and the stories of the Russian Mennonites and their contributions to Manitoba”. In recent years we have seen a lot of newcomers to the region from all over the world, a more diverse population visiting the museum, with so many sharing with me that this place feels like their home. They share their stories of how they grew up or of their homeland. So much in common. We have seen the excellent addition of artefacts from our Indigenous friends, which is part of the immigration story when Mennonites settled in Manitoba.
Memberships – you need one of these. Memberships are a great gift to give or buy for yourself. One of the many perks of our membership is 10% off purchases in our Gift Shop as well as our Livery Barn Restaurant. You will also be able to get discounts at other Signature museums across Manitoba. This is a great way to support MHV.
MHV’s Village Books and Gifts is a wonderful boutique to pick up that hard-to-find unique item for that special someone on your list, or just for yourself. Our experienced Storekeeper finds merchandise to fit within our mission statement as well she is a tremendously talented employee who can sleuth that certain item that you cannot find anywhere else. We have vintage petit point items, German texts, historically relevant books, genealogy, memoirs, biographies, Historical Atlas of the East Reserve, cookbooks, puzzles, Crow Wing Trail map, children’s books, cards, postcards, toys, artwork, clothing, souvenirs galore and so much more. The staff as well as our valued volunteers are quite knowledgeable. Many new items are here just in time for Christmas. Keep an eye out on our website and social media for Christmas specials. As a nonprofit, when you shop locally, you support MHV’s efforts to keep history alive.
May to September, the General Store is open seven days per week. As always, shopping at the General Store is an amazing experience. The artisans are knowledgeable, and welcoming. When you step into the store, it is literally like a page from the past. To the delight of young and old alike, we continue to have great conversations with folks who express their experiences from long ago, and how “at home” they feel here. Working alongside seasoned staff and volunteers during the regular season is a true highlight for me.”
Please note: The General Store is looking for local artisans to sell their products for the 2026 season. If you are interested, please contact Jo-Ann at the museum.
SAVE THE DATE: for MHV’s Christmas Market Extravaganza being held on Saturday, November 8th, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Admission is a tin for the bin or a cash donation for Southeast Helping Hands, to help families in our community. We will be serving Waffles and White sauce in our Christmas Café. You do not want to miss this event.
Mennonite Heritage Village preserves and shares the story of the early Mennonite settlers to Manitoba. Our hope is that every time you visit us, you think of reasons to come back again soon. Thank you, Jo-Ann, for providing a warm welcome to many thousands of guests throughout the year.
Upcoming Events:
October 14 – 7:00pm – Steinbach and Area Garden Club monthly meeting at MHV. Guest speaker – Dr. Curtis Rempel – The Effects of Spraying on Soil, Water & Air Quality.
November 8 – 10:00am to 4:00pm – Christmas Market Extravaganza. Local vendors, horse drawn wagon rides, kids’ crafts, and waffles with white sauce.
November 9 – 7:00pm – Community Vespers Service at MHV. A meditative evening of choral music and scripture readings.
November 14 – 7:00pm – MHV Auxiliary presents a Low German evening, featuring special music by Heischraitje & Willa Honich.