FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2008
The remarkable legacy of Delbert F. Plett, a prominent Steinbach lawyer who died in 2004 will live on thanks in part to a partnership between the University of Winnipeg and the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation. At a ceremony at the University of Winnipeg, the Plett Foundation officially accepted the keys to their new office from Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, president of the University. Dr. Royden Loewen, Chair of the Foundation’s Board noted that before his untimely death in 2004, Delbert Plett was not only a Steinbach lawyer and noted land developer. He was an enthusiastic promoter of history with a keen interest in telling the story of Traditionalist Mennonites and published more than a dozen books on the theme.
Plett left the majority of his sizeable estate to the D.F. Plett Historical Research Foundation, which is committed to continuing this work. Loewen also thanked the University of Winnipeg for its tradition of supporting Mennonite studies and he looks forward to further developing this partnership. University of Winnipeg President, Dr. Lloyd Axworthy welcomed the Foundation to the University and noted that the partnership with the foundation is a continuation of Plett’s work and an important key to the study of Canadian History. Axworthy emphasized the importance of the Foundation as one of a group of organizations participating in the development of the Canadian History Centre at the University.
The Foundation’ Offices are on the second floor of Bryce Hall, one of the older buildings on the campus located just east of the historic Wesley Hall. Dr. Hans Werner, author of a recent history of Winkler, Manitoba, is the Executive Director of the Plett Foundation and welcomes visitors to the new location. In addition to managing the work of the Foundation, Werner teaches Mennonite Studies and Canadian History in the University’s Department of History. The Plett Foundation publishes the annual history magazine Preservings. It also issues grants for research and publication of conservative Mennonite history. Its fellowship program at the University of Winnipeg and Canadian Mennonite University enables graduate students undertaking research programs that fit with the Foundation’s mandate.
The D.F. Plett Historical Foundation, Inc. is the residual beneficiary of Delbert Plett’s estate and estate executors Tom Mooney and Norman Plett, Delbert’s brother, were on hand to celebrate this important milestone in the Foundation’s development. It is estimated that the estate will be fully liquidated and the Foundation fully operational in another two or three years.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Hans Werner Executive Director, 204 786 9352