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Borden Museum


Borden Museum 

The Borden Museum is a multi-building heritage site located on Main Street, preserving and sharing the history of Borden and the surrounding area. Through restored buildings, curated exhibits, and archival collections, the museum traces the development of an agricultural community from the early 1900s onward.

Summer Hours

  • Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Closed: Sunday and Monday

History of the Museum

The Borden Museum officially opened on June 24, 1990, with three original buildings:

  • Turtle Lake School

  • Munroe Barber Shop

  • Newbold Butcher Shop

Since then, the site has expanded to include five historic buildings:

  • The Diefenbaker Homestead replica, added in 1992

  • The Masonic Lodge, added in 1996, with the basement gallery opened in 2005, featuring murals from various time periods created by Borden School students

The barber shop and butcher shop are original Borden buildings, with furnishings generously donated by members of the families who once operated them. Turtle Lake School was relocated to the Borden school grounds and served as an extra classroom until 1984. Inside the school building, visitors will find a recreated 1940s classroom and exhibits telling the story of Borden’s Hospital and Health Centre.

Featured Buildings & Exhibits

  • Diefenbaker Homestead Replica
    The Diefenbaker family homesteaded just north of Borden. The replica home is furnished as it would have been in the early 1900s and contains artifacts and information related to John Diefenbaker and his family.

  • Masonic Lodge
    The lodge houses a collection of toys, photographs from the Borden Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, and a 10-foot replica of the Borden Bridge.

  • Archival Collections
    The museum maintains historical records and photographs of the area, including images such as Smith & McQuarrie General Merchants from the early 1900s—later known as Foster’s Store, now featured in a dedicated display.

  • Current & Upcoming Displays
    The gallery area features rotating exhibits.

Together, the five buildings create a continuous story of Borden’s past, from settlement and education to commerce, community life, and leadership.

Visiting Information

  • Suggested tour time: 2 to 2.5 hours

  • Admission: Free of charge

Visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace and take time to experience each building.

Audio Feature

For a brief introduction to Borden’s history, visitors can listen to a podcast episode by Canadian History Ehx (link below), which highlights the community’s development and historical significance.

Tours & Contact

To book a guided tour or for more information, please contact:

  • Karen Kerr

  • Phone: 306-997-5600