Imagine coming upon a backroad mansion. The door creaks open and within the dust and cobwebs are ghosts of antiquity. The table is set, cook pots sit cold on the woodburning stove, photos, furniture and all, just as it was - 150 years ago.

   But - the mysteries of the Victorian past are available to explore, minus dust and cobwebs.

For a small fee Jenn Jaffray gives guided tours through Virden Pioneer Home Museum, introducing guests to a bygone era. Making sense of the antiques within is part of her day-to-day work.

   Jenn and her husband Jared, (Town of Virden Assistant to Chief Administrative Officer) moved from Brandon to Virden over a year ago. Jenn was initially hired as the summer museum manager. Now, she’s thrilled to have a year-round role with the Pioneer Home Museum.

   Jenn was ready to take on this role, she tells: “I have been researching genealogy for more than 35 years. Moving to the great town of Virden 1.5 years ago has certainly been an adventure.

   “Upon moving here, I contacted the museum right away, wanting to volunteer. Previously I had a home daycare in Brandon for over 15 years, I needed a change.

   “I joined the museum board and have been employed since May 2025 as the manager.”

   Traditionally, Virden’s museum is open May through September with summer staff doing the cleaning and touring guests while faithful members of the museum board wrestle with ways and means to organize, index and present the museum’s many artifacts.

  Now, Jenn has taken much of that load off board members shoulders in a position that has transitioned to a year-round job. 

   “Summer is our busiest time, and I