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 |
Bethune Memorial House is a special place in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada. It's a National Historic Site that celebrates the life of Dr. Norman Bethune. He was a very important Canadian doctor. Dr. Bethune was known for being a surgeon, a humanitarian, and an inventor. He cared deeply about helping others. This historic site helps us learn about where Dr. Bethune came from. It also shows us what he achieved in his life. Dr. Bethune spent his last two years in China. There, he worked as a teacher and a surgeon. He helped the Eighth Route Army during a difficult time.
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History of the Bethune House
The house where Dr. Norman Bethune was born was built in 1880. It was originally made to be a manse. A manse is a home for a church minister. In 1889, Malcolm Bethune became the minister of Knox Presbyterian Church. He moved into this house with his family.
Norman Bethune's Early Life
A year later, in 1890, his son Norman was born in the manse. The Bethune family lived in Gravenhurst until 1893. After that, they moved to Beaverton, Ontario. Many other ministers lived in the house after the Bethune family left.
Becoming a Historic Site
In 1973, the Canadian government bought the house. The government's Department of External Affairs purchased it. Then, Parks Canada took over the house. Parks Canada is responsible for restoring old buildings. They also manage them so people can visit. Today, Parks Canada still operates the Bethune Memorial House.
Special Visits to the House
In August 2002, a very important person visited the house. It was Adrienne Clarkson, who was the Governor General at the time. She also helped to show a new statue of Dr. Bethune. The Town of Gravenhurst put up this bronze statue. You can find the statue on Gravenhurst's main street. It is located near the famous Opera House.
Images for kids
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Current visitor centre for Bethune Memorial House, built in 2012 and opened in May 2013.
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Bethune Memorial House former visitor centre, demolished in May 2011.
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Malcolm Bethune's (Dr. Bethune's father) study in Bethune Memorial House
