Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library facts for kids
| Established | 1930s |
|---|---|
| Location | 329 Cumberland Avenue Unit 1 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 1T2 |
| Type | Handcrafts museum |
| Collection size | 10,000 |
The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library (MCML) is a special museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It's all about keeping handcrafts alive and showing off Manitoba's heritage. The museum also aims to teach students, inspire artists, and celebrate the value of handmade items.
This museum started in the 1930s. It grew from a group called the Canadian Handicrafts Guild, which began in 1928. The MCML is the only museum in Canada focused entirely on crafts. It holds a huge collection of about 10,000 handmade items and old documents.
Contents
History of the Museum
The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library began with the Crafts Guild of Manitoba. This group started in 1928. By 1933, they had created both a permanent collection of crafts and a library.
Over many years, volunteers worked hard to build up the collection. They also created exciting exhibits and ran programs. These dedicated people made sure the collection was cared for properly.
In the early 1930s, the Guild also started a library. This library had books and patterns about crafts. It was used for workshops and by craftspeople. In 1948, the library was named the Gladys Chown Memorial Library. This was to remember Gladys Chown, who was a President of the Guild.
In the 1990s, volunteers worked again to improve the library. They set up proper library systems. This made it a much better resource for everyone.
In 1997, the Crafts Guild of Manitoba closed down. But the museum and library collections stayed together. They are now managed by the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library. It is an independent organization today.
Museum Collection
The MCML Museum Collection has more than 10,000 items. These include both old and new handmade pieces. The collection also has historical documents and photos.
You can find many types of crafts here. These include bobbin lace, ceramics, and crochet. There's also embroidery, glass art, knitting, and needle lace. Other items are made from paper, like quilts and rug hooking. You can also see sculptures, tatting, weaving, and woodworking.
The museum's collection also includes old papers, photographs, and slides. All the items are listed in a special computer database. Some parts of this list can even be seen online through Artefacts Canada.
Gladys Chown Memorial Library
The Gladys Chown Memorial Library is a very important part of the museum. It started in the 1930s. In 1948, it was officially named after Gladys Chown.
This library has a truly special collection. Some materials date back to the late 1800s. It also has books in other languages. Plus, it has many recently published books and magazines. A lot of its items are unique and can't be found anywhere else in Canada.
The library collects and keeps many things. These include old papers, handwritten notes, books, and magazines. It also has photos, craft patterns, CDs, and DVDs. Anything related to the history and practice of crafts is welcome.
Right now, there are over 3,500 books and 1,500 magazines. There are also hundreds of old patterns. Plus, there's a file of newer patterns and booklets.
The library lets eligible members borrow books. It's also a research place for anyone who wants to learn. You can look up books, magazines, and patterns in their online database. You can also search for its items online through AMICUS. This is a free national list of published materials. It shows what's held at Library and Archives Canada and over 1300 other libraries.
C2 Centre for Craft
The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library is located inside the C2 Centre for Craft. This is a shared space. It's used by both the Manitoba Crafts Museum & Library and the Manitoba Craft Council (MCC).
The C2 Centre for Craft is dedicated to showing off the best crafts. These include both modern and traditional handmade items from Manitoba. It's in an old building in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. C2 has an exhibition gallery, a shop, the library, and the museum collection.
Affiliations
The museum works with several organizations:
