4-H History
4-H in Canada all started here in Manitoba! Roland, Manitoba is recognized as the birthplace of 4-H in Canada as they were the community in which the first organizational meeting for a Boys and Girls Club was held in 1913.
In 1913 there were also seven other communities in Manitoba who formed Boys and Girls Clubs: Darlingford, Manitou, Neepawa, Oak Lake, Starbuck, Stonewall and Warren.
The 4-H Museum located in Roland, Manitoba opened in August of 1990 and now has over 220 artifacts from across Canada and the U.S. The artifacts and memorabilia consist of anything related to 4-H such as trophies, uniforms, banners, records, scrapbooks and articles made in projects.
The oldest artifact is a medal for a flower competition in 1911 donated by Walter McDonald (an original member of the Boys and Girls Club formed in Roland). In 1911, work was already beginning on organizing the Boys and Girls Club. Another medal donated by Walter McDonald is from 1913 for a gardening competition in the Junior Section.
This past year we had about 160 visitors and 150 visitors to our website www.roland4hmuseum.ca
We had visitors from Manitoba, Sask, Alberta, Ontario and Switzerland
We had a summer student this year and about 20 volunteers to open the museum thoughout the summer.
The 4-H Museum welcomes any artifacts or memorabilia that clubs, provinces or states would like to donate. When donating an item, please include the name of the club, whether the club is still active and the years of operation. The museum has many artifacts donated from provinces that recently celebrated their 75th Anniversary of 4-H.
Historical paper documents can also be sent to the Provincial 4-H Office for placement in the private archive section of the Province of Manitoba.
The 4-H Museum welcomes visitors from all over the world, including bus tours and 4-H exchange groups. The museum is open in July and August; Monday –Friday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. It's also open by appointment through the rest of the year. For more information call (204)-343-2061.