Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, booking ahead is recommended as seating is limited and lectures often sell out.

Where is the Dalnavert Museum located?

The museum is located at 61 Carlton St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1N7, Canada.

Are the lectures suitable for children?

Lectures are geared toward adults and older teens with an interest in history and culture.

Is parking available near the museum?

Street parking is available nearby, but check local signage for restrictions and fees.

Are the lectures wheelchair accessible?

Dalnavert Museum is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to contact the museum in advance for accommodations.

Can I attend just one lecture or do I need to commit to the series?

You can attend individual lectures without committing to the entire series.

Victorian Insights at Friends of Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg

Located in the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Friends of Dalnavert Museum offers an immersive journey into Canada’s Victorian past through a compelling monthly lecture series titled The Language of Dalnavert. Presented by the museum’s Collections Registrar, Inés Bonacossa, this series invites history enthusiasts and culturally curious travelers to engage deeply with the stories embedded in Dalnavert’s distinctive Victorian-era collection. Far more than a typical museum tour, these intimate sessions unfold the nuanced social and artistic layers of the period, presenting topics like Victorian fashion’s language and the intricate symbolism behind silverware used in the home. The lectures breathe life into artifacts, transforming them from static objects into vivid narratives that help visitors grasp the textures of daily life, mourning customs, and material culture in late 19th-century Canada.

Dalnavert itself stands as a rare example of Victorian domestic architecture preserved within Winnipeg’s urban landscape, anchoring these talks in an authentic setting that amplifies their impact. The museum’s collection, featuring furnishings, textiles, and decorative silver, serves as the backbone for each talk, offering visitors an insider’s lens rarely found outside academic circles. This approach creates an experience that is both educational and evocative, appealing to locals and travelers who seek a richer understanding of Manitoba’s cultural heritage.

Engaging with Dalnavert in this way also invites a broader reflection on the evolution of Canadian identity and the influence of Victorian values on contemporary culture. Located just steps from Winnipeg’s vibrant Exchange District, the museum complements outdoor urban explorations with a distinctively indoor adventure into history. Whether you’re coming off a day hiking nearby Assiniboine Park or wandering the historic streets, Dalnavert’s lecture series offers an intellectual but accessible pause that connects outdoor exploration with the human stories shaped by this landscape.

About Friends of Dalnavert Museum

Friends of Dalnavert Museum supports programming and public engagement at Dalnavert, a historic Victorian house museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The organization partners with museum staff to present guided tours, themed events, lectures, workshops, and community programs that interpret Victorian domestic life, local Métis history, medical and social histories, and seasonal family activities.

Programs include walking tours of downtown Winnipeg focused on Métis heritage and early 20th-century urban life, small-group Behind the Ropes tours led by the collections registrar, hands-on workshops such as darning classes, and specialized presentations on topics like Victorian drug culture and funeral customs. Friends of Dalnavert Museum emphasizes accessibility and community connection. Offerings include dementia-friendly tours and family-focused holiday programming such as Halloween tea parties and Victorian-themed celebrations.

Public historians, museum professionals, and volunteer supporters contribute to research, interpretation, and delivery, helping ensure content is historically informed and appropriate for diverse audiences. Events vary in length and format; many programs fit 45–60 minutes while special events run longer. As a Winnipeg-based heritage organization, Friends of Dalnavert Museum works within museum best practices to care for collections and to share local stories, including the history of the Red River Métis and the city’s social development. Visitors can expect small-group experiences, docent-led interpretation, and chances to see artifacts not normally on display. Programming aims to educate, preserve regional heritage, and invite community participation in understanding Winnipeg’s past. Membership and volunteer opportunities support ongoing preservation, research, and public accessibility while deepening local connections to Manitoba's cultural heritage and public education.