Key moments from history in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba are highlighted in an engaging new public history exhibition coming to Brandon University. Everyone is welcome to attend the free opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 4:30–6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

“Walking Through Westman: Uncovering Our Past” will be on display until the end of February in the main floor Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library at BU. Curated by public history students, the exhibition reveals some of the interesting, unusual and important events, people, and places that pepper the past in Brandon and Westman.

Taylor Friesen, a second-year student who helped curate the exhibition, said it proved insightful in many ways.

“This was a chance to learn about our roots here in Westman and dig in to some of the history that is all around us right here in our own communities,” said Friesen, who is planning to pursue an education degree with an eye on eventually teaching senior-years English and History.

“Through the Public History program at BU, students are given the opportunity to see first-hand some of the positive impacts that actively learning and educating others on the history that has shaped our present day lives can have,” she said. “I hope that everyone who gets the chance to see this exhibition will come away from it having learned something new about our community and feel proud to call Westman home.”

Each of the panels deals with a different topic. These include, among others, student life at Brandon University in the mid-twentieth century, women’s work in early twentieth century Brandon, and a history of the Brandon Fire Department.

“This exhibition is a fine example of the exciting opportunities available to students at BU through our public history courses,” said Associate Professor Rhonda Hinther. “I’m exceptionally proud of what these students have accomplished – this exhibition helps to make Westman history even more accessible to community members.”

After Thursday’s opening reception, the exhibition will remain on display and open to the public during regular library hours. There is no charge.