The Claresholm & District Museum features interesting exhibits that celebrate our ranching and farming heritage, highlight important events of our past and honour the people who helped our community grow. Louise McKinney, one of the Famous Five and a social reformer, was a Claresholm resident. Claresholm’s part in both World Wars is also recognized. Photographs and artifacts are used to tell about the men and women from other parts of Canada and other countries who came to R. C. A. F. Station Claresholm during the 1940s and 1950s to train as pilots.
Exhibits include: SW Alberta Aboriginal history, local ranching, the NWMP (North West Mounted Police), blacksmithing, farming in the Willow Creek MD (Municipal District), military and aviation history, the Claresholm Fire Department, the history of Health Care Services, Claresholm churches, music and bands in the community, and early Claresholm businesses such as general stores, hardware and lumber stores, millinery shops, barber shops, and the Claresholm Local Press newspaper.
Current Temporary Exhibits
CPR Station
- Collecting Rocks! Rocks & Fossils from the Oliver Seward and Oscar Markle Collections
- The Claresholm School of Agriculture 1913-2013
Permanent Exhibits
CPR Station
- The Claresholm Train Station and the Canadian Pacific Railway
- Station Agent’s Office
- Hospitals in Claresholm
- Photography
- Various cabinet displays ( woodworking, sports, businesses and promotional materials)
- Louise Crummy McKinney
Exhibit Hall
- Aboriginal
- Ranching
- NWMP (North West Mounted Police)
- Blacksmith Shop
- Telephone Office
- Farming
- General Store
- 1930s House
- Land Agent Office
- Newspaper Office
- Military (WWI, WWII, Air Force)
- Millinery Shop
- Barber Shop
- Claresholm Churches
- Claresholm Firefighters
Outside
1903 School House
1920s Log Cabin
CPR Caboose
CPR Speeder Car (out in summer season)
Past Temporary Exhibits
Exhibit Hall
- Dinner Party & Aprons Exhibit (2013-2014)
