Originally founded as the Keewatin Historical Society on November 29, 1980, a number of interested local citizens set the wheels in motion to ensure that the unique, colourful heritage of the Lake of the Woods region would be preserved for generations to come.

On May 31, 1982, the Society changed its name to the Lake of the Woods Historical Society to broaden its support from area residents. The Society entered into a licence agreement with the Ontario Heritage Foundation, a division of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation, to operate and keep open to the public, the historic Mather-Walls House in Keewatin. The Society offices are located there.

In 1994, the Society hired its first permanent part-time Resource person/Manager to further develop the work of the Society.

Our Objectives

• to ensure the preservation and appreciation of the history of the Lake of the Woods area,
• to encourage research and publications relating to the historic fabric of the Lake of the Woods area,
• to receive and hold in trust, articles, artifacts and documents important to the history of the area for the people of the Lake of the Woods area,
• to promote and encourage public interest in Ontario and Canadian history