ASSINIBOIA - It’s an inspiring tale of heartwarming commitment. Two Assiniboia women in their 90s have continued to dedicate their time to Assiniboia and District Historical Museum. Did you know Assiniboia’s Museum has two recipients of volunteer awards from the province of Saskatchewan? 94- and 91-year-old long-time volunteers at Assiniboia’s Museum, Bernice Woolhouse and Lorraine Silzer were recognized in 2020 for their years of service to this venue in Assiniboia.
Sally Svenson, Assiniboia and District Historical Museum Coordinator, said, “Lorraine Silzer went to the ceremony in Regina in August of 2021. Bernice Woolhouse didn’t attend the ceremony but the Lt. Governor indicated that he would or his office would personally give her the medal. Bernice and her son, Dwaine along with invited guests and families had the medal presented at the Assiniboia Museum.”
Svenson said both Silzer and Woolhouse continue to assist in whatever way they can, which included the 2023 fundraiser with a car show in partnership with the Southern Cruisers Car Club. Both women have come to see author reading, Margaret G. Hanna, as well as helped do the cups and plates after the event was completed.
They are valuable help in assessing artifacts, writing the news highlights for the Assiniboia Times in addition to being greeters and getting visitors signatures as people come through the museum.
“Bernice and her late husband, John Woolhouse had retired from farming and they would drive to volunteer with others. They would bring a lunch when noon came and have a break with the other volunteers. Bernice has more than three decades with the Assiniboia Museum,” noted Svenson.
Woolhouse keeps active and dedicated to the museum working along many other volunteers throughout the years. She assists with set up and has successfully located and had many artifacts that the museum still uses to this date. She served as a board member for a number along with her commitment to volunteering at the venue.
“Lorraine and her late husband, Paul Silzer, retired and drove into the town and they would also volunteer with others. Lorraine has between 25-30 years or more with the Assiniboia Museum. Lorraine enjoys the company of other volunteers and assisting with greeting visitors, helping with newspaper or any details that needed to be done for an event or a visit from a classroom. Lorraine has assisted with mentoring new volunteers or whichever needed to get done,” added Svenson.
With volunteer appreciation week just wrapped up April 21, Assiniboia’s Museum continues to be grateful for the immense wisdom and continued dedication of these long-time volunteers in keeping Assiniboia’s history alive for all to see.
Both of these dedicated museum volunteers know that from big to small, famous to local, museums give people a place to think, learn, wonder and experience the past and our heritage. Their contributions help preserve and promote Assiniboia’s history.
National Museum Lover’s Day is recognized on May 5. Show your appreciation of the remarkable work these women do by dropping in for a visit at Assiniboia & District Historical Museum.
