August 3, 2026

RARE BETHUNE PAINTING OF WIFE FRANCES — WHO HE MARRIED AND DIVORCED TWICE — NEW ADDITION TO NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE THAT’S FREE TO VIEW TILL SEPT. 7

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GRAVENHURST — Midway through a season’s half-full glass it’s time to check on your summer holiday bucket list.

Swimming: CHECK; Walking: CHECK; Outdoor concert: CHECK.

Bethune House visit: AUGUST.

Well, Gravenhurst’s National Historic Site is a must for August when it’s free along with all of Canada’s National Parks.

And the Muskoka stop (John and Brown Streets) is among the best destinations — even if you’ve been before — with amazing heritage interest for the entire family.

While Dr. Norman Bethune is widely recognized for his medical innovations and humanitarian work in Spain and China, this 1933 portrait at his 1890 birthplace highlights a lesser-known dimension of his life: his artistic practice and personal relationships.

As one of only a few known original Bethune artworks held in a public collection, it enriches the story told at Bethune Memorial House and helps visitors better understand him beyond his public legacy.

Park’s Canada’s Bethune House manager Scott Davidson shows the rare painting by the Gravenhurst-born doctor at the National Historic Site that is open free till Sept. 7. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

In July Parks Canada unveiled a rare original portrait Bethune painted of his wife, Frances Campbell Penney — whom he married and divorced twice.

“But they remained good friends,” said Parks Canada site manager Scott Davidson.

**Frances Campbell Penney remained the love of Bethune’s life despite the couple marrying twice and divorcing twice.**

This winter Parks Canada acquired the portrait from descendents of a fellow doctors Bethune gave it to.

And in a swift turnaround Parks Canada brought it to Gravenhurst, making it a significant addition to its national collection of more than 31 million archaeological and historical objects spanning over 11,000 years of human history. The portrait will be permanently displayed at Bethune Memorial House, offering visitors fresh insight into the personal life of one of Canada’s most well-known historical figures.

Art was always important to Bethune. He painted, sketched, wrote, was involved in film and radio plays, and he spent money. He did not have collecting art.  He considered surgery one of the arts. Bethune set up art classes for poor children in his apartment and convinced an artist friend to direct it while he paid for supplies.

He also enjoyed the company of artists who provided alternative views of the world.

His description of the role of the artist sounds a lot like him:

“The function of the artist is to disturb. His duty is to arouse the sleeper, to shake the complacent pillars of the world. He is an agitator, a disturber of the peace, quick, impatient, positive, restless and disquieting. He is the creative spirit of the working in the soul of men.”

The portrait will be permanently displayed at Bethune Memorial House, where visitors will have the opportunity to view this original work within the context of Bethune’s life and legacy.

The acquisition represents an important addition to Parks Canada’s collections and strengthens ongoing efforts to preserve and share meaningful artefacts connected to Canada’s heritage as part of a national celebration that highlights Canada’s historic places and encourages Canadians to explore and connect with them.