VEREGIN — In 1982, the province of Saskatchewan declared the Doukhobor Prayer Home a Provincial Heritage Building. The Verigin Doukhobor Prayer Home is a landmark of the area, with architecture that can be traced to the mid-1800s in Russia. Built in 1917, it served as a Prayer Home and residence of the two Doukhobor leaders, Peter V. Verigin and his son Peter P. Verigin. Today, it is part of the National Doukhobor Heritage Village.
Museums in Saskatchewan play a vital role in preserving and sharing the province's history. They act as stewards of cultural and natural heritage, safeguarding artifacts, stories, and traditions for future generations. Museums foster a sense of place, identity, and understanding of the past, which is crucial for the development of communities and individuals.
Caitlin (Cat) M. Woloschuk, Executive Director of the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin, Sask., says there are 22 members on their board of directors. The executive consists of Walter Ostaforoff as chair, Fred V. Konkin as vice-chair, Linda Osachoff as secretary, Phillip Perepelkin as treasurer, and Andrew Kazakoff.
“We have four staff members this season: Caitlin (Cat) Woloschuk as the executive director and Erika Warkentin as the assistant curatorial and collections manager, with Roselie F. Smith and Emily Kalmakoff as summer students,” adds Woloschuk.
The executive director affirms that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of artifacts on display — such as Doukhobor textiles and embroidery, early 20th-century portraits and photographs, and maps of the original Doukhobor settlements in Saskatchewan.
Woloschuk says the historic centre also includes Peter Veregin's Rockaway Coach (on loan from the Western Development Museum), handmade Doukhobor tools, incredible painted and wooden artwork, and an extensive library of books — mostly in Russian, but some in English — among much more.
“We are both a Provincial and National Historic Site of Canada. Not many people know this, but being a recognized historic site doesn't actually come with additional funding — we have to fundraise and seek out grants. Our donors are a crucial part of keeping the NDHV alive, and we are deeply appreciative and thankful to each of them,” adds the Heritage Village’s executive director.
Woloschuk says they are also in the process of painting their grain elevator and hope to have it open to the public in the next three years.
“We have had a Grade 9 class from Canora and a Grade 4 class from Kamsack, and we would love to be doing more school tours. Fred and Eileen Konkin have played an integral role in passing on their tour knowledge to staff, so staff members can offer tours to guests throughout the summer.”
In a wonderful partnership with the Veregin New Horizons group, the Grade 4 class visited Veregin and learned how to make perogies before coming to the museum for a guided tour and scavenger hunt. Students enjoyed a picnic lunch on the Village grounds that included perogies made earlier, as well as sausage and veggies. Woloschuk said it was a fun day for everyone involved.
Summer events on tap, including Heritage Day celebration
Upcoming this summer are two very special events. On June 29, the provincial and national heritage site will be celebrating Petrov Den, or Peter's Day, at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village. It is a yearly religious observance commemorating the 1895 Burning of Arms, where Doukhobors laid down their weapons and lit them on fire to reject militarism and affirm their steadfast commitment to pacifism.
Woloschuk invites everyone to attend. The day starts with a prayer service at 11 a.m., followed by a picnic lunch, with guests asked to bring a bagged lunch with them.
In addition, on July 20, Heritage Day will be celebrated starting at 9:30 a.m. with a Blini Brunch, offering all the toppings one could dream of — maple syrup, whipped topping, and a variety of delicious fruit toppings. The cost of the brunch will also include entry into the museum and Village grounds, with staff available to offer guided tours.
The plan is to set up early 20th-century games, as well as scavenger hunts, chalk art and other activities for all ages.
Celebrations are always best served with food, and Woloschuk said Heritage Day will include fresh bread, pyahi, borscht and other delicious Doukhobor delicacies for sale, as well as the Village's cookbook, Ethnic and Favourite Recipes.
“This is our biggest event and fundraiser of the year, so we are really hoping for a great turnout,” adds Woloschuk.
“All of our volunteers are the beating heart of the NDHV. They are involved because they care very deeply and are incredibly dedicated to preserving the history of Veregin and the Doukhobors by offering NDHV as a resource for current and future generations.”
The museum’s executive director acknowledges, from personal experience, that the hands-on, experiential learning at heritage sites during elementary and high school was some of the most impactful and memorable education. Woloschuk would love to offer that same experience to visitors to the NDHV.
As with many other organizations, new volunteers are always welcome to help with events, projects, fundraising — and, of course, bread baking.
“We are especially in need of volunteers to help us bake bread. Many of our bread bakers have retired, and we are in need of more people to learn and join our bread baking team so we can offer fresh Doukhobor bread more often.”
Thirteen buildings make up the Heritage Village Museum Complex. The early homes reveal the life and habits of pioneer Doukhobors, including a brick oven, a bathhouse and a brick Prayer Home.
Located in the Village of Veregin, the National Doukhobor Heritage Village reveals a system of beliefs and a communal lifestyle unique to the Doukhobors. It is located just five minutes southwest of Kamsack. Come discover the life and times of the Doukhobor settlers who immigrated to this area over 100 years ago.
For more details, check out the museum’s website or Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
