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Friday, November 14, 2025

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History preserved for the future

By Eoin Devereaux

A few months ago, it was uncertain whether or not the Beautiful Plains Museum would survive the year…But now it appears as though the building, and the storied history that resides within, will survive for years to come.

The museum board held its’ annual general meeting in Neepawa on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This AGM was more than the usual review of the financials, it was a call to action to get more people involved to keep the volunteer run operation open. Fortunately, that call was answered, in the form of five new board members and seven volunteers. The new board members are:

• Gerond Davidson;

• Milia Gomez;

• Brin Henderson;

• William Smith; and

• Brenda Henderson.

Gerond Davidson has been named the board chairperson, taking over the position from Helen Drysdale. Davidson said the Beautiful Plains Museum is an important part of our region’s heritage, and that it’s good to see so many people step up to ensure its’ continued operation.

“I feel very good about the community support we’re seeing here tonight. It shows that people still care about the heritage and value the local history this building shares with the community,” noted Davidson.

As for why Davidson decided to come forward in this manner and volunteer as a board member, he said he has always had a great interest in our local history and that it was time to step up.Davidson replaces Helen Drysdale, who along with the rest of the previous board, have now formally stepped down. Helen will still assist the Museum in some capacity, serving as the past president.She noted to the Banner & Press that she is feeling a tremendous bit of optimism about the future of this fine facility.

“The new board comes with so many skills and so many new ideas. It was just wonderful,” said Drysdale.

The new board for the Beautiful Plains also arrives it seems at just the right time, as 2026 will be the 50th year since the official founding of the museum.

The financials

From an accounting standpoint, the 2024-2025 fiscal year was fine, though it could have been better. The total income from October. 2024 to September 2025 was $22,834.03. As for expenses, they totalled $27,358.73, which contributed to a loss year-over-year of $4,524.70. The largest contributors to the loss were increase to the cost of insurance and some upgrades to the building and security system. The total assets for the Beautiful Plains Museum remain strong, sitting at $260,441.71.