Bethune Memorial House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bethune Memorial House |
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| Location | 235 John Street North Gravenhurst, Ontario |
| Elevation | 255 metres (837 ft) |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Built | 1880 |
| Original use | Manse |
| Current use | Museum |
| Governing body | Parks Canada |
| Official name: Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated | 1997/09/22 |
The Bethune Memorial House (French: Maison commémorative Bethune) is a special place in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada. It is a National Historic Site of Canada. This house celebrates the amazing life and achievements of Dr. Norman Bethune.
Dr. Bethune was a very determined person who cared a lot about helping others. He also loved being outdoors. These qualities helped him become a brave surgeon, a humanitarian, an inventor, a teacher, and an artist. The historic site helps us understand where he came from and what he achieved. Dr. Bethune spent the last two years of his life in China. There, he worked as a teacher and a surgeon for the communist Eighth Route Army.
The Story of the House
The Bethune Memorial House was built in 1880. It was originally a manse, which is a home for a church minister. Malcolm Bethune became the minister of Knox Presbyterian Church in 1889. His son, Norman, was born in this very house a year later.
The Bethune family lived in Gravenhurst until 1893. After they moved, other ministers and their families lived in the house.
Saving the House
In 1973, the Canadian government bought the house. Parks Canada then worked to restore the building. They made it look like it did when the Bethune family lived there. Parks Canada still takes care of the house today.
In August 2002, Adrienne Clarkson, who was the Governor General of Canada at the time, visited the house. She also helped unveil a bronze statue of Dr. Bethune. This statue is located on Gravenhurst's main street, near the town's Opera House.
What You Can See
The Bethune Memorial House is now a museum. It shows visitors what life was like for the Bethune family. You can learn about Dr. Norman Bethune's childhood and his inspiring journey.
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This is the visitor centre for Bethune Memorial House. It was built in 2012 and opened in May 2013.
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This was the old visitor centre for Bethune Memorial House. It was taken down in May 2011.
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This room was Malcolm Bethune's study. He was Dr. Bethune's father.
Museum Connections
The Bethune Memorial House museum works with other groups. These include the Canadian Museums Association and the Canadian Heritage Information Network. It is also part of the Virtual Museum of Canada.
See Also
