Presenting: A Community Project to Showcase Claresholm & District’s Rich Agricultural Past
Several years before the town was established in 1902, large scale cattle ranches (federal leases up to 300,000 acres), were well established in the region, many with thousands of cattle, hundreds of horses and dozens of cowboys. The arrival of the railroad and presence of a station at Claresholm not only meant access to broader markets for those cattle but also saw the start of an influx of pioneer settlers and the beginning of farming which thrives to this day. More wheat was shipped from Claresholm station in 1935 than from any other railway station in Alberta. Although agriculture is currently represented in two smaller displays within the Exhibit Hall at the museum, we are limited in space to collect and display larger artifacts related to horse farming, early gasoline engines and farm machinery. The proposed building will allow us to better showcase that rich agricultural history, and tell the story of our farming and ranching roots to visitors from all over the world.
Proposed New Building
The barn style design of the building is in tribute to Claresholm & District’s rich agricultural past.
This building has been a long time need of the museum. Currently many museum artifacts are stored in several off site storage locations, including rented storage containers. None of these locations provide the required conditions for artifact storage. This new building will allow the museum to consolidate all those collections together on the museum property and provide a professionally accepted level of care. Additionally, it will provide much needed display space for larger artifacts such as agricultural equipment, which we are currently unable to accept. Our current plans also include a workshop space to be used by staff and volunteers for artifact conservation and exhibit construction.
Phase 1 – Steel building with concrete floor brought to lockup. GOAL: $400,000
Phase 2- Plumbing, electrical, heating, and finishing work – fundraising will continue into phase 2.
If you’re interested in helping us make this project a reality, please contact us. We need people like you!
To make a donation, please see the information below.
The Friends of the Museum Society will issue tax receipts for donations $50 or more, including for in-kind donations. Cheques can be made out to ‘Friends of the Museum’. Cash and E-transfers accepted. Donors will be publicly recognized unless otherwise requested.
The museum Board of Directors and the Friends of the Museum Society Board are fully committed to raising the required funds for construction of this beautiful building.
We thank the Mayor and Council of the Town of Claresholm for voting unanimously on Nov 25th, 2024 to allow this project to proceed. Their commitment to preserving the rich heritage of this wonderful community of Claresholm and the surrounding area is very much appreciated.
Corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations towards construction are also greatly appreciated.
