The Commanda Museum is celebrating the building’s 140th anniversary. When it first opened in 1885, the Commanda General Store was the hub of the community. In 2025, a team of dedicated volunteers ensures that the community spirit lives on.
The Commanda General Store Museum was built in 1885 by James and Elizabeth Arthurs along the Old Rousseau-Nipissing settlers’ route which continues today as the central location for visitors to the whole region. During the boom years, it served as an important supply centre for pioneer lumbermen and farmers, and families came from miles around the hear the news about what was happening in the community.
Over the years, the building fell into disrepair. Thanks to the hard work of a small team of volunteers, the building has not only been restored, but the number of exhibits has expanded to include a Genealogy Exhibit, a Women’s Institute Exhibit, and an Indigenous exhibit. Earlier this year, the museum also celebrated the opening of the restored Lutheran Church.
Of course, progress takes money and museum volunteers have worked extremely hard to fundraise and have successfully applied for grants, including a grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. A new feature this summer is a thrift store that is loaded with treasures.
To find out more about what’s happening at the Commanda Museum, be sure to follow them on Facebook! Check out our video for a look inside the museum and meet the spectacular people who dedicate their time to preserving history.
