Our Origins
1992 marked a new beginning for the Rural Municipality of Headingley as it separated from the City of Winnipeg. Prior to this date, the area north of the Assiniboine River had belonged to the RM of Assiniboine, while the land to the south had been part of the RM of Charleswood.
On February 7, 1996, an organizational meeting was held in Headingley United Church. There were 17 founding members. A constitution for a proposed Headingley Historical Society was read and approved by all in attendance. HHS was formally incorporated on July 11, 1996.
Our Plaques
One of the Headingley Historical Society's first projects was to install plaques to mark important points of interest in the community. HHS began with three markers at former school locations and at the Anglican and United Churches.
Next, a committee was struck to plan for a park on the west side of the (new) Taylor Bridge over the Assiniboine River. It would be called "The Chateau Dixie Look Out.” Phoenix School students helped to research information for three plaques unveiled there in June 2002.
On November 11th, 2003, the HHS placed a plaque on the cairn at Riverview Park. It is a memorial that honours the Headingley men who served and gave their lives in the First & Second World Wars. Remembrance Day services were held at the park, as well as at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, and are now held at the Headingley Community Centre.
Our Book
Another very important project for the Headingley Historical Society was to research and publish the history of our community in an anthology.
It would take five years to compile documentation and photographs related to the many aspects of life in Headingley. Many families were contacted and were asked to contribute.
On October 16, 2003, "Headingley Pioneers Past & Present: A Historic Look at Life in Headingley, Manitoba" was launched and copies were made available for sale.
The Headingley Public Library retains a copy that the local community and general public may access.
Our Tours
An exciting and experiential endeavour of the Headingley Historical Society has been the planning of bus tours to view historical sites in other areas of the province.
Our groups have travelled to such places as St. Andrew's Church, Rectory & Heritage Centre, Neubergthal Heritage Village, The Royal Aviation Museum, Gimli's New Iceland Heritage Museum, Selkirk's Marine Museum of Manitoba, and the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach. Outings to view Christmas lights at the historic Dalnavert House or everyday homes were also well-attended.
These trips have provided much fun and information for our members and guests over the years.
Our Contributions
Since inception, the Headingley Historical Society has interviewed members of our community and asked questions about their individual and family histories, many of which have been recorded and documented in our archives. Visuals and oral presentations have been presented at schools and to various groups. Help with historical research help has been provided to students, families and other interested parties. Innumerable articles have been written for the "Headingley Times." Displays of artifacts and photographs, including the Dr. Thorlakson Collection, adorn several shelves in the Headingley Community Centre.
In an yet another effort to reflect and respect Headingley's heritage, names of pioneers or significant people who have lived here and contributed to the community have been suggested to the municipal government for consideration when naming new developments, streets, parks, and infrastructure. From "Taylor Bridge" to "Taillieu Road," the Headingley Historical Society takes pride in labels that directly relate to our rich and interesting local history.
Our Website
Headingley Historical Society's latest and largest undertaking to date is the development of this online archive.
It is our hope that the HHS website will further enhance everyone's ability to learn more about our history, past and present.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Canadian Government (CSRF-Community Services Recovery Fund), in conjunction with the CFC (Community Foundation of Canada) and is available in both official languages.
