Museum & Heritage Sites
Explore our history!
The Rossburn area was settled largely by Ukrainians and Scots. These cultures, along with the heritage of the First Nations at Waywayseecappo, created a colourful and vibrant mosaic that is proudly displayed by the citizens of today. The Birdtail Valley was surveyed and mapped in 1850 and the community’s first settlers, the Ross family, arrived in 1879. Shortly after, the community became known as Rossburn. (Taken from Rossburn Chamber’s Visitor Guide 2024, p. 7)
Visit a variety of heritage sites in Rossburn and the surrounding area. Keep on reading for an overview!
Not really into history? Discover what else to do in Rossburn!
Harry Boychuk & Rossburn Area Museum
The museum features a replica Ukrainian village with a model church and thatch-roofed homes and buildings detailed even to the interior furniture. Displays include a country schoolroom, hospital room, Ukrainian pioneer kitchen, a period hairdressing salon and much more.
Plan your visit to discover our heritage! The museum is open on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm in July and August.
For larger group tours, please contact Gene at 204-859-2333 one to two weeks in advance.
If weather permits, the museum committee can offer tours upon request during September and perhaps October. Call Gene at 204-859-2333 or Joyce at 204-871-1543 to arrange tour for individuals or groups.
The community group Rossburn Museum & Heritage maintains and preserves the museum as well as other heritage sites. The group, with the help of volunteers, seeks to open the museum regularly over the summer. Location: 72 Cheddar Avenue, Rossburn (Click for Google Maps)
© S. Langston
© S. Langston
© EnviroFoto
Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church
Near Rossburn- The original church was built in 1901, but disagreements within the parish led to the construction of a second nearby church in 1904. It remained in use until 1959. Since its restoration in 1978, it has opened annually on its Patron Saint’s Day (July 12) for a public mass and family picnic. From Rossburn, travel north on PR264, then east on PR577, then turn south on the first road past the Rossman Lake Golf Course. (Click for Google Maps)
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church
In Glen Elmo – A provincial heritage site, the present church was built in 1928 with timber from nearby Riding Mountain. A restoration happened in 1997. The first log church was built in 1905 on donated land which is now a cemetery. Interior visits by appointment. Call 204‑859‑2508 or 204‑859-2240. Travel north from Rossburn on PR264 and follow the signs. (Click for Google Maps)
Marconi School
Near Marco – Built in 1922 with an opening class of 69 students, the school was in operation until 1958. In 1984, a school reunion inspired volunteers to maintain the building and in 1990, Marconi School was designated a Municipal Heritage Site. Phone 204-859-2779. Travel north from Rossburn on PR264 to PR577; continue past the lake and turn north at the Marconi School sign. (Click for Google Maps)
St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church
In Olha – One of the oldest churches in the area, St. Michael’s was built in 1904. The original belfry, constructed in 1915, was later sold. Jacob Maydaniuk painted the interior icons in 1927. This building is a designated historic site. Phone 204-234-5236 for information and tour arrangements. Located directly in Olha, East of Rossburn, on PR577. (Click for Google Maps)
© S. Langston
© J. Kustner
© J. Kustner
Ukrainian Pioneer Dwelling
Near Olha – When Ukrainian settlers first arrived in the area west of Riding Mountain in 1899, their first homes were small, tent-shaped pole structures with roofs of hay, known as buddas. Drive north on PR577 to Olha and follow the signs. (Click for Google Maps)
St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church
Near Olha – Built in 1929 at a cost of $6,000, this church possesses a fine tower crowned with a tall spire. Pointed arches cap the windows and doors. Located southeast of Olha off PR577. (Click for Google Maps)
Ukrainian Settlement Monument & Mass Grave
Near Patterson Lake – The monument near Olha commemorates the 100th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada (1891‑1991), and marks the site where, in 1899, 42 children and three adults succumbed to scarlet fever on their way to new homes and a better life in the Parkland region. Travel 4 km (2.5 miles) south of Olha on PR577; follow the sign. (Click for Google Maps)
Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ascension
Ruthenia – The church of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the first and present church of the parish and was constructed in 1911 upon an acre site located 20 km northwest of Rossburn. More information on this church can be found here Ruthenia – Rossburn Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral District (rossburnugcc.ca). Follow PR264 North of Rossburn for ~26 km until you reach Ruthenia, turn South. (Click for Google Maps)
Rossburn History!
Hidden away in Olha, lived Mike Swistun, a Canadian folk hero. Billed by Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus (a world famous circus) as “The Strongest Man in the World”, he toured with the famous troupe during the summer of 1923. Mike could once bend iron bars in his teeth, support five men on his stomach, and hold two automobiles to a stand-still with his massive arms. His first love lay in entertaining, and the tour with the Barnum & Bailey Circus seemed to answer this love; but he received a telegram from his father telling him to return home for the harvest, Mike had no recourse but to comply, as any dutiful son must. The people of the circus could not believe that he would give up the chance of a world tour for a town “not even on the map.”
When his father died, Mike, as the eldest son, had to swear an oath to stay with the land. There he remained until his death. He half-heartedly cared for the farm he never wanted, taking his greatest satisfaction in restoring the old Buddas. A documentary was produced telling Mike’s story and is available to borrow at the Rossburn Regional Library. The director, Kuchmij followed Mike and his granddaughter as STRONGEST MAN IN THE WORLD FROM HERE!. They searched for the graves of two small children who died in the Buddas during one particularly harsh winter.The children lay buried in an area now overgrown with vegetation, but Mike found the graves and cleared the site to commemorate those who died in pursuit of “the promised land.” Some townsfolk feared Mike because of his hypnotic powers – a gift fueled by his personal friendship with Harry Houdini, possibly the greatest illusionist of all time. Until Mike’s death in 1980, he still performed many of the illusions, which had astounded crowds during the 1920’s.
(Taken from Rossburn Chamber’s Visitor Guide 2024, p. 18)