Background
Clayton McLain, a local farmer, was always interested in the history of the area.  He was especially interested in the First Nations culture and the events of 1885. He realized that there were only a few individuals then left living who had lived during 1885 and he sought out their stories. He also accumulated items that related to this important time in Canada's history.
The public began to want to see this growing collection and he organized them on the farm and sometimes hauled them to different events. He took photos and documented his hobby. He dreamed of a real museum to display his items.
In 1967, he was diagnosed with cancer and in 1968 passed away.
The local Oddfellows approached his widow, Elizabeth, to help her open a museum in Cut Knife. A building from Cloan, Saskatchewan (east of Cut Knife) that had been used as a school at Ovenstown and then a church was given to the museum to house Clayton's Collection and the collections that others donated. The museum opened in 1971.
Since then thirteen display buildings (Gallivan School, CPR Station, Medical Building, Esso Building, Raymond's Store, Exhibits Building, Carruthers Church, Clayton's Van, Bert Martin's Log Cabin, Duvall House, Fire Hall, Armstrong Building, Ovenstown) have been added to complete the museum.
The stories of the surrounding communities are enhanced by over 17000 artifacts.
The expanding archives is being housed in the old R.M. Building on Railway Avenue, about two blocks from the Park.
Elizabeth McLain was the volunteer curator from 1971 to 2001 when she passed away.
CMMM is a non-profit organization run by a Board of Trustees.