THE MARGARET LAURENCE HOME
The Margaret Laurence Home now, a designated Provincial Heritage Site and Level 2 Museum, is a living memorial to Margaret. Her approval and blessing was given in 1986 when it was purchased. On November 14, 1986, she wrote to the Margaret Laurence Home Committee:
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“I was delighted to learn that the old Simpson house has been purchased, and that the Viscount Cultural Council will have offices there, as well as the ‘Margaret Laurence Room’. I feel truly honoured and grateful. It means a very great deal to me that the old brick house will remain in the town and will survive. I wish you all possible success in this project.”
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It is a cultural center where such events as writers workshops, book launchings, and Elder Hostel educational programs have taken place. The Museum is available for meetings or special outings by groups. Contact us via email for more details
When the house was purchased the Margaret Laurence Home Committee, Inc. was formed, its mandate being to pay off the mortgage and to restore and renovate the structure.
In 1986, the Neepawa Area Development Corporation donated the initial seed money of $10,000. In 1991 McClelland & Stewart, Laurence’s publishers gave a similar amount through a donation of 500 of her Memoirs, which quickly sold. Renovations and restoration have been made through Provincial Grants and Foundations. Neepawa businesses and local citizens and others from across Canada and elsewhere were generous in assisting.
On a wall in the Margaret Laurence Home, on the second floor hangs one of the many gifts presented to the Home by Jocelyn and David Laurence at the official opening, a portrait of Margaret Laurence at her kitchen table in Lakefield. Other gifts from her children include: her typewriter, doctoral robes, award certificates and much more.
When the house was purchased the Margaret Laurence Home Committee, Inc. was formed, its mandate being to pay off the mortgage and to restore and renovate the structure.
In 1986, the Neepawa Area Development Corporation donated the initial seed money of $10,000. In 1991 McClelland & Stewart, Laurence’s publishers gave a similar amount through a donation of 500 of her Memoirs, which quickly sold. Renovations and restoration have been made through Provincial Grants and Foundations. Neepawa businesses and local citizens and others from across Canada and elsewhere were generous in assisting.
On a wall in the Margaret Laurence Home, on the second floor hangs one of the many gifts presented to the Home by Jocelyn and David Laurence at the official opening, a portrait of Margaret Laurence at her kitchen table in Lakefield. Other gifts from her children include: her typewriter, doctoral robes, award certificates and much more.
