Established 1884
Heritage & History
Over 140 years of community memory, preserved for generations to come.
Over 140 years of community memory, preserved for generations to come.
Woodlands Cemetery is far more than a burial ground — it is a living record of the people, families, and events that shaped life in south-central Manitoba.
The story of Woodlands Cemetery begins in 1884, when the first burial was recorded on the grounds that would become one of the most historically significant cemeteries in the Rural Municipality of Norfolk-Treherne. The land was formally acquired by the Association in 1897, establishing a permanent home for the community's most important final rites.
The pioneers who were laid to rest in those early years were the builders of Manitoba — farmers who broke the prairie soil, homesteaders who endured harsh winters, and community leaders who established the schools, churches, and institutions that gave Treherne its character. Each headstone is a chapter in the larger story of Manitoba's settlement history.
Through the decades of the 20th century, as the community of Treherne grew and changed, Woodlands Cemetery stood as a constant — a place where families returned season after season to tend to the graves of loved ones and to feel connected to those who came before them. The cemetery's grounds have been lovingly maintained by generations of community volunteers, each carrying forward the tradition of care and respect that defines the Woodlands Cemetery Association.
Several distinctive landmarks within the cemetery grounds serve as tangible connections to the past, drawing visitors and researchers from across Manitoba.
The Church Model Memorial: Among the most charming and distinctive features of Woodlands Cemetery is the small church model memorial — an intricately crafted stone replica of a church building. This unique monument stands as a symbol of the deep faith that sustained early settlers through the challenges of prairie life and has become a beloved landmark for visitors and local history enthusiasts alike.
Memorial Plaques: Placed throughout the grounds, memorial plaques commemorate significant individuals and moments in the history of the Treherne community. These plaques ensure that the contributions of community members are not forgotten with the passage of time.
The Visitors' Book: The Association maintains a visitors' book at the cemetery, welcoming family members, genealogical researchers, historians, and curious visitors who come to explore the grounds. The visitors' book captures the ongoing relationship between Woodlands Cemetery and the people it has touched across generations.
War Graves: Treherne (Woodlands) Cemetery contains graves recognized by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission — a solemn testament to the ultimate sacrifice made by community members during times of war.
Woodlands Cemetery's records and connections to broader historical databases make it a valuable destination for those tracing their Manitoba family roots.
Burial records for Woodlands Cemetery are accessible through the MGS Manitoba Name Index (MANI) — a searchable database available to members of the Manitoba Genealogical Society. MANI provides a valuable first step for families researching their Manitoba heritage.
The 1996 MGS publication "Carved in Stone: Manitoba Cemeteries and Burial Sites" documents Woodlands Cemetery as part of Manitoba's historic burial ground heritage. This publication remains a valuable reference for researchers and historians.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) maintains records for war casualties buried at Treherne (Woodlands) Cemetery. These records are freely accessible online through the CWGC database.
Families and researchers wishing to access burial records directly are welcome to contact the Woodlands Cemetery Association. The Association's records span from 1884 to the present day.
A glimpse into the grounds, monuments, and history of Woodlands Cemetery — a place where memory and nature meet.
