Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library facts for kids

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library (MCML) is a special place in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It's a museum all about handcrafts. Handcrafts are things made by hand, like knitting or pottery. The museum helps keep old craft traditions alive. It also teaches new artists and shows how important handmade items are.

This museum started in the 1930s. It grew from a group called the Canadian Handicrafts Guild. The MCML is the only museum in Canada focused just on crafts. It has a huge collection of about 10,000 handmade items. It also keeps many old documents and photos.

A Look Back: The Museum's History

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library began a long time ago. It started with the Crafts Guild of Manitoba. This group was formed in 1928. By 1933, they had already started a special collection and a library.

Over many years, volunteers worked hard. They helped build the collection. They also created exhibits and planned fun programs. These dedicated people made sure the collection was cared for properly.

The Gladys Chown Memorial Library

In the early 1930s, the Guild also started a library. This library had books and patterns about crafts. Craftspeople and students used it for their projects. The library grew steadily over time.

In 1948, it was named the Gladys Chown Memorial Library. This was to remember Gladys Chown. She was a President of the Guild who passed away while in office. In the 1990s, volunteers made the library even better. They organized it like a professional library.

In 1997, the Crafts Guild of Manitoba closed down. But the museum and library collections stayed together. The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library became its own organization. It continues to manage these important collections today.

What's in the Museum Collection?

The MCML Museum Collection is very large. It has over 10,000 items and historical documents. These items include both old and new handmade pieces.

You can find many different types of crafts here. Some examples are bobbin lace, ceramics, and crochet. There are also embroidered items, glass art, and knitted pieces. You might see quilts, sculptures, and woven goods. The collection also has woodworking and much more.

The museum also keeps old papers, photographs, and slides. These are called archival materials. All the museum's items are listed in a special computer database. Some parts of this list can even be seen online.

Exploring the Gladys Chown Memorial Library

The Gladys Chown Memorial Library is a very important part of the MCML. It started in the 1930s. It was officially named in 1948. This library has a unique collection of materials. Some items are from as far back as the late 1800s. It also has books in other languages.

Many of the books and magazines here are special. You might not find them anywhere else in Canada. The library collects and saves many things. These include old papers, books, and magazines. It also has photos, patterns, CDs, and DVDs. All these items are about the history and practice of crafts.

Currently, the library has over 3,500 books. It also has 1,500 magazines and journals. There are hundreds of old patterns too. Plus, it has many newer patterns and booklets. Members of the MCML can borrow books from the library. Everyone can use it for research. You can search for items in their database when the library is open. You can also search online through AMICUS. This is a free national list of books in libraries across Canada.

The C2 Centre for Craft

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library is located inside the C2 Centre for Craft. This center is a shared space. It's a partnership between the MCML and the Manitoba Craft Council (MCC).

The C2 Centre for Craft shows the best of craft art in Manitoba. This includes both traditional and modern crafts. It is in an old building in Winnipeg's Exchange District. The C2 Centre has an exhibition gallery where art is displayed. It also has a shop, the library, and the museum collection.

Museum Connections

The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library works with several other groups. These connections help the museum share its work. They also help it learn from others.

The museum is connected to:

• The C2 Centre for Craft
• The Canadian Museums Association (CMA)
• The Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN)
• The Manitoba Craft Council
• The Virtual Museum of Canada