Mennonite Heritage Week 2026
The second week of September heralds the arrival of Mennonite Heritage Week in Canada. As declared by the Canadian Parliament, this week is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the history, culture, values, thought, and religion of Mennonites.
While the Mennonite story has 500-year-old origins, in 2026, the Conrad Grebel University College community is looking at more recent history. The Mennonite Archives of Ontario has curated an exhibit titled “Glenn Fretz: Graphic Design for the Mennonite Community.” This exhibit tells and shows the story of Glenn Fretz’s fifty-year career as a graphic designer and consultant, focusing on his work with Mennonite and non-profit organizations. The exhibit features reflections on process and pays tribute to his clients and the meanings they asked him to convey through design.
Glenn’s work has shaped the branding of organizations such as Mennonite World Conference, Mennonite Reporter, Canadian Mennonite, Mennonite churches in Canada and the U.S., MEDA, and more. Examples from the Mennonite Archives of Ontario and Fretz’s personal collection demonstrate how his career dovetailed with Mennonite organizations’ search for bolder and more expansive visual expressions of their work and values.
The Glenn Fretz exhibit can be found at Grebel on the third-floor atrium landing, in the MAO Gallery, extending into the library. The exhibit launch, open to the public, takes place on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00pm. While at Grebel, visitors may want to explore the College’s extensive art collection with a Self-Guided Mennonite Art Tour.
Upcoming Mennonite-related events and activities in Waterloo Region
Exhibit Launch
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 7:00pm
Glenn Fretz: Graphic Design for the Mennonite Community
Conrad Grebel University College, 3rd floor atrium
Doors Open Waterloo Region
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 10:00am-4:00p
- Waterloo Pioneers Memorial Tower commemorates the arrival of Pennsylvania-German pioneers to the Waterloo region.
- Schneider Haus National Historic Site constructed by early Mennonite settlers, demonstrating traditional domestic routines and seasonal tasks.
Tangled Menno Roots: Exploring the Ezra Eby Genealogical Database
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 2:00pm-4:00pm
Conrad Grebel University College, Community Education Room
Benjamin Eby Lecture with David Y. Neufeld
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:30pm
Credit Worthy: Anabaptist Debt and the Material Bases of Coexistence
Conrad Grebel University College, Great Hall
Brubacher House Museum
Ongoing | May 1-October 1, Wednesday-Saturdays, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Visit a restored 1850s Pennsylvania German Mennonite farmhouse and four-square garden.
The Mennonite Story
Ongoing | Thursdays and Saturdays
Offering exhibits, presentations, and tours related to local Mennonite culture.