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 WOMEN'S INSTITUTE MUSEUM OPEN 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily - May to October
 Located off Highway 11 behind the Ontario Provincial Police Detachment, 21 Tyrell Street.

See the early photographs, read their stories and get into the lives of the pioneers of the Rainy River District. Take a drive down scenic roadways and find the more than century old homes and barns that still stand on the farms today.

Our community museum is unique in that we are the only one that is privately owned and operated by a Women's Instutue District in Ontario. Being non-profit, we operate on a minimal budget counting on public support and our fundraising projects. It is part of the mandate of the Women's Institutes to preservce the histories of their areas.
 History
When he was on archaeological explorations in the area. Dr. Walter Kenyon, from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, suggested the idea of a community museum. The local members of the Women's Instutute thought that it was a good project and after gaining the support of the District, started fundraising right away.

It was only 2 years later that the small Canadiana Shop in Emo was purchased. During the next 10 years an overwhelmeing number of articles were donated and loaned, additions were built and display cabinets were made. Since 1978, the museum has also accommodated the Tourist Informaiton Centre.

In 1993, local artist Darlene Fletcher was commissioned to paint two large murals to be placed on the outside walls of the museum building. One shows scenic Rainy River and the other a settler's farm - both depicting life of the early pioneers of our area.
 Purpose
By way of thinking the donors of the artifacts and by way of recognizing the importance of these artifacts, we remember the hardworking settlers and take care to preservce and display our collection for everyone to view.

We store minute books and documents for the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Association and for the Women's Instutiute. Information from these records is available to the public for research puposes upon request.
 Events 
  • Heritage Day Tea celebrates family with the community.
  • Spring Tea in May opens the museum.
  • Pie Social in July.
  • October museum closing hearty lunch.
  • Old fashioned Christmas celebration in December.

Baking and craft sale tables are included at all of these functions. Every year, quilts made and donated by individuals or by W.I. branches are raffled. Occasionally, we feature special exhibits from local private collectors.