About Us
The Bonnyville & District Museum
The Bonnyville Museum is home to 13 different buildings, each displaying various pioneer artifacts, machinery, folk art, and historical items. We have three acres of beautiful land and host a variety of events throughout our summer season.
The Bonnyville and District Historical Society was established in 1980. The Society's mission is to search for, display, and preserve the history of Bonnyville and District, as well as to promote and preserve the multi-cultural heritage of the community and its people. The Bonnyville and District Museum officially opened on May 18, 1991. We are open for tours from May 1st to August 31st, and in September and October for limited hours and by appointment. Our office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday year round. Our grounds are available for rent for private events and functions. |
The History of Bonnyville
It is believed that one of the first European settlements in Alberta was that of fur trader Angus Shaw, who established a North West Company fur trading post on the northwest shore of Moose Lake (then called Lac L'Orignal) in 1789. The settlement was called 'Anshaw'.
The first, early 20th century settlers arrived at the Lake of the Two Islands (Jessie Lake) in Spring 1907. They came from the Beaumont area, southwest of Edmonton. The settlement was first called St. Louis de Moose Lake, then changed to Bonnyville after the town's first resident priest, Father Bonny.
The first, early 20th century settlers arrived at the Lake of the Two Islands (Jessie Lake) in Spring 1907. They came from the Beaumont area, southwest of Edmonton. The settlement was first called St. Louis de Moose Lake, then changed to Bonnyville after the town's first resident priest, Father Bonny.