Explore Local History Books

A selection of Manitoba’s local history books is available for the communities within the Municipality of Lorne. These books, which document the stories of families, farms, schools, churches, and other local institutions, are available digitally and, in some cases, in local libraries. Our local libraries also feature a collection of family-focused books that can be browsed and borrowed in person.

Digital History Books

These history books from communities within the Municipality of Lorne are available in digital format. Click below to access them for each community.

• Mariapolis and District: Echoes Through a Century, 1891–1991 - click here.

• From Woodland to Wheatland: The Story of the Early Settlers in the Swan Lake Area. - click here.

• Hills of Home: Treasured Memories of Bruxelles, 1882–1992. St. Gerard Parish, Bruxelles des Monts. - click here.

• Historical Records and Accounts of the Early Pioneers of the District of Swan Lake, Manitoba: From Its Early Settlement, 1873–1950. click here.

• Memories of Lorne, 1880-1980 - click here.

• Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes (Manitoba) - 1891- 1990, un siècle d’histoire - click here.

• St. Alphonse Centennial History Book Committee. Tapestry of Faith: R.C. Parish of St. Alphonse, 1883‑1983 - click here.

• Somerset History Book Committee. Reflections – Reflets: Somerset. Somerset, Manitoba: Somerset History Book Committee, 2000. - click here.

• Swan Lake and District, 1878‑1884: Being Some Record of the Life and Times of Swan Lake, Manitoba from 1878 to 1884 - click here.

History Books - For Sale

The Municipality of Lorne Office has four local NEW history books available:

• R.C. Parish of St. Alphonse – Tapestry of Faith (1883–1983) – $50.00
• R.C. Parish of St. Alphonse – Tapestry of Faith, Volume 2 (1984–2013) – $50.00
• Hills of Home: St. Gerard Parish – Treasured Memories of Bruxelles (1892–1992) – $65.00
• Memories of Lorne: A History of the Municipality of Lorne (1880–1980) – $25.00

Also available at the Municipal Office:

• Reflections-Reflects: Somerset – $70.00