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, military and aviation history, the Claresholm Fire Department, the history of Health Care Services, Claresholm churches, 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
- NEW – Louise McKinney and the Famous Five in conjunction with the United Farmer’s of Alberta Historical Society
Permanent Exhibits
CPR Station
- The Claresholm Train Station and the Canadian Pacific Railway
- Louise McKinney Gallery
- Station Agent’s Office
- Photography & Photo Booth
- Various cabinet displays
Exhibit Hall
- Collecting Rocks! The Oliver Seward and Oscar Markle Collections
- The Claresholm School of Agriculture 1913-2013
- Honouring Blackfoot Heritage & Culture
- Ranching in SW Alberta
- North West Mounted Police
- Blacksmith Shop
- Telephone Exchange Office
- Claresholm General Store
- 1930s Farm House
- Land Agent’s Office
- Claresholm Local Press Newspaper Office
- NEW – Claresholm in the War Years
- Millinery Shop
- Barber Shop
- Claresholm’s Churches
- Claresholm Firefighters
Outside
1903 School House
1920s Log Cabin
CPR Caboose
CPR Speeder Car (out in summer season)
