After seven and a half years, the S.W Sask Oldtimers' Museum is officially back open and uniting Maple Creek's history in a piece of history itself.

Started in 1935, the museum began in a log-built building as a result of Maple Creek residents wanting to carry on the memory of the community's settlers and history around the period.

Since then the building itself became a piece of the town's history, but was condemned after the construction began deteriorating.

Now following the latest round of renovations, the building, as well as other facilities used by the modern museum, are back open to the public.

The museum puts a focus on late 19th-century and late 20th-century history.

ng was done by volunteers over the course of pretty much a nine-year period, and enough money was raised to finish the building within seven and a half years, and then almost eight years to the day we closed, we had the grand opening."

He added that the restoration will likely allow the facility to operate for another 100 years.

The grand re-opening ceremony coincided with Maple Creek's Heritage Festival, as well as Historic Places Day.

A flag raising was also hosted at the re-opening as local dignitaries raised the Canada, Saskatchewan, Metis, Treaty 4, Union Jack, and Town of Maple Creek flags.

Pow wow dancing from the Nekaneet First Nations was also hosted at the ceremony before the doors were officially opened once more.

Pettyjohn stated that they were looking forward to being able to showcase the history in the facility to residents of the area, as well as anyone with interest in history.

{gallery}Maple Creek Museum 2{/gallery}