The Birdtail Country Museum — the centennial project for Birtle Town and Rural Municipality opening May 1984 — now has a website. It was launched thanks to a grant from Manitoba Heritage and Culture, which also includes tech support from consultant, David McInnes, who was involved in getting the site up and running.

“This website makes the museum’s treasure trove of contents more accessible to all,” said Brenda Evans, a board member. “Reaching a wider audience, it’s also a great means to receive feedback or get in touch with people looking for information or simply a question.”

Whether researching family roots or just interested in local history, site visitors will discover a wealth of information on Birtle’s beginning with the Birdtail Settlement in 1878 and events as the settlement grew into a successful town and community.

Although the website is a work in progress, tabs such as Publications and Reports, Vintage Views, Pivotal Mom­ents, Cemeteries and Churches can be opened, and a military section will be among new information added. By visiting the site, one will find personal stories, photos, and information on historic buildings, cairns, plaques and other heritage resources Birtle has to offer.

With the Town and RM of Birtle jointly supplying funds, the old bank building was purchased for $10,000 to become the home of the Birdtail Country Museum 35 years ago.

It expanded in 2004 with the acquisition of the building directly east of the museum on Birtle’s Main Street, which was the last home of the Birtle Eye-Witness newspaper.

Today, the museum houses over 5,000 artifacts including a variety of household items, military, archeological and Indigenous artifacts.

Open Monday to Friday in July and August, new displays are showcased each year, with guided tours available upon request.

Through a website, community support and dedicated volunteers, the community’s heirlooms, heritage and history, will live on at the Birdtail Country Museum.