For six decades and counting, Eleanor Proctor has devoted herself to preserving the stories, buildings and memories that helped shape the RM of Woodlands.
Now, at 94 years old, her lifelong commitment to local history has earned one of Manitoba’s highest heritage honours.
Proctor was among four Manitobans recognized May 26 at Government House in Winnipeg with the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Historical Preservation and Promotion. Presented by Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, the award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to preserving and sharing Manitoba’s history.
“The individuals selected to receive awards this year represent the many dedicated individuals throughout Manitoba who take great care in preserving and promoting this province’s rich and vibrant history,” Neville said during the ceremony.
Neville noted that preserving history helps Manitobans better understand both their communities and the province as a whole.
“Looking back, we can better understand how and why history has made us the people and the province we are today,” she said.
Established in 2011, the award has recognized more than 70 Manitobans for outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting Manitoba’s history and heritage.
This year, the Manitoba Historical Society reviewed 19 nominations from across the province before recommending four recipients for the award. According to the society, nominees are evaluated solely on the quality and impact of their work in preserving and promoting Manitoba history.
For those who know Proctor, the recognition comes as no surprise.
Her connection to local history dates back to 1966, when community members in Woodlands began discussing ways to preserve artifacts and stories from the area’s past. The idea eventually led to the creation of the Woodlands Pioneer Museum, which officially opened in 1971.
Proctor, her late husband Lloyd, and a group of volunteers were among the driving forces behind the project.
“I remember the community put on a centennial event in 1967, part of which was an antique display in the community hall,” Proctor recalled earlier this year. “It went over so well that people got hooked on the idea of a permanent place.”
What began with a single donated building has grown into one of Manitoba’s most unique rural museum sites.
“The first building was a donation from the Brandt Argyle School District,” said Proctor. “Now we have seven buildings, an outdoor gathering space and an orchard planted with local fruit trees.”
Over the years, Proctor has filled virtually every role imaginable at the museum. She has served as manager, curator, fundraiser, secretary, groundskeeper, event organizer, costume maker and volunteer recruiter, often taking on multiple responsibilities at once.
According to the Manitoba Historical Society, she has contributed more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the museum and its development.
Under her leadership, historic buildings including a church, schoolhouse and community hall were relocated to the museum grounds along Highway 6, creating a heritage village that continues to welcome visitors, school groups and community events.
Even as she entered her eighties, Proctor remained actively involved in maintaining museum buildings and grounds.
Speaking during the award presentation, Manitoba Historical Society head researcher and webmaster Dr. Gordon Goldsborough described Proctor as a model of dedication and perseverance.
“For more than 60 years, Mrs. Eleanor Proctor of Woodlands has embodied the spirit of community heritage preservation,” Goldsborough said. “Her tireless work ensured that the Woodlands Museum not only survived but flourished.”
Goldsborough noted that Proctor never let obstacles stand in her way. Despite never obtaining a driver’s licence, she regularly found ways to travel to the museum and continue her volunteer work.
“Now in her mid-90s, she remains a passionate advocate for the institution she helped build,” he said.
Goldsborough also noted that many of Manitoba’s historical preservation efforts are driven by volunteers.
“This is driven entirely by passion without expectation for compensation, not even simple acknowledgement,” he said of the work undertaken by many heritage advocates across the province.
Michelle Procter, a former museum volunteer who nominated Proctor for the award, said her impact extends far beyond the museum’s buildings and collections.
“Eleanor is, simply put, a remarkable human being,” Procter wrote in her nomination letter. “The museum is, in my view, one of the hidden treasures of our province, and a significant part of its success exists because of Eleanor’s lifelong devotion.”
Procter said Proctor’s commitment has inspired generations of volunteers and helped transform the museum into a gathering place where local history comes alive.
“She understands that preserving the past is not just about artifacts or buildings — it is about people, stories and belonging,” she wrote.
Those who have worked alongside Proctor say her enthusiasm for local history has never faded.
“It was a labour of love for all things past and present,” Proctor said of the museum’s development.
Receiving the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award was a meaningful moment for Proctor after decades of volunteer service.
“It was an honour to be nominated and to receive the award,” she said. “It made me feel proud that others are still doing things.”
While the recognition celebrates her contributions, Proctor is quick to credit the many volunteers who helped transform the museum from an idea into a thriving heritage attraction.
When asked what she is most proud of, Proctor pointed not to any one building or achievement but to the collective effort behind the museum’s success.
“The effort that many people, past and present, have put into it,” she said.
Preserving local history has remained a lifelong passion because she understands how easily community stories can disappear.
“Without preserving the history, it slips away on you, and then you might not get it back,” Proctor said.
She also reflected on the volunteers who helped establish the museum during its earliest years.
“The initial group was represented by the ward system, and we had so many good ideas from all areas in the RM,” she said.
Today, the Woodlands Pioneer Museum stands as a lasting testament to that love — and to one woman’s determination to ensure future generations understand where their community came from.
Congratulating the recipients, Neville said their efforts ensure Manitoba’s stories continue to be preserved and shared.
“Your commitment and hard work will ensure that the story continues to be shared and appreciated for generations to come,” she said.
With her latest provincial honour, Proctor’s own place in Manitoba’s history is now firmly preserved as well.
