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Lots to love at historic sites, museums, archives

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Lots to love at historic sites, museums, archives

Stephansson House opens to the public Tuesday, May 15 for the summer season. Experience this historically furnished 1927 home of Stephan G. Stephansson, Icelandic pioneer and one of Canada’s most prolific poets.

New programs and experiences at Alberta heritage facilities are setting the stage for excitement this May long weekend and throughout the summer.

May 15 kicks off the summer season for many of Alberta’s 20 provincially owned and operated historic sites, museums and Provincial Archives. With a stellar schedule of special events and programming ahead, everyone is encouraged to plan a visit this summer.

As the portals to our past, Alberta’s heritage facilities are more than exhibits and artifacts — they are something to be experienced and explored.

“We are excited to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to our heritage facilities this summer. I think sometimes we forget that we do not need to travel far to experience history; Alberta’s historic sites, museums and provincial archives are a testament to that. Whether you are looking for a new activity, planning a family outing or wanting to embark on a unique adventure, historic sites and museums offer the full package. I encourage everyone to plan a visit to one of our sites this summer to step back in time and uncover the stories Alberta has to tell.”

Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism

From dinosaurs and ancient bison-hunting culture to antique vehicles, vintage film, Alberta’s fur trade, and delicious cuisine, families and visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on learning, fun activities and soak in beautiful Alberta scenery.

New programs and experiences

A variety of activities are taking place this summer, including new programs and must-see-before-they-go exhibits, including:

Strengthen your knowledge of Métis culture and experience what it was like to be a voyageur paddling across Canada in a large birch canoe carrying furs or precious cargo over countless portages. This unique adventure at Métis Crossing and Victoria Settlement takes you through two locations, various hands-on activities and paddling on the North Saskatchewan River. Recommend pre-registering until August 26.

Vintage Fork Restaurant is a new, unique culinary dining experience at Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site giving visitors a tasty twist on history. Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday, visitors can enjoy brunch, lunch and afternoon tea through daily menus.

Check out the new exhibit Peter Shostak: Painting to Remember. Inspired by his rural Alberta upbringing, Peter’s artwork reflects the stories the earliest Ukrainian settlers in Alberta. Open May 19 to Sept. 3. This year’s popular events Vintage Day and the Friends Ukrainian Music Festival are combined for a day full of fun on Sunday, June 24.

  • Explore The McLaughlin Story exhibition (Westaskiwin and Cardston)

Check out this unique exhibition about how a family of risk takers shaped Canada’s transportation history. Visit the Reynolds-Alberta Museum (Wetaskiwin) and Remington Carriage Museum (Cardston) to find out how the McLaughlin family rose from making axe handles to becoming the largest carriage manufacturer in the British Empire, and ultimately grew to be General Motors Company of Canada.

  • Last chance to see 150 Firsts exhibit at Provincial Archives of Alberta (Edmonton) This is your last summer to catch the exhibit, 150 Firsts: How Alberta Changed Canada…Forever, to learn about 150 Canadian firsts that occurred because Albertans were the first to make them happen. The exhibit closes August 1. Visitors can also bring non-perishable food items for the Edmonton Food Bank until August 1.

Those looking to be extra adventurous this year can experience all provincial historic sites and museums with the Experience Alberta’s History annual pass. Summer is the perfect time to discover multiple facilities!

Connect online

It’s easier than ever to connect with provincial historic sites and museums through mobile-friendly websitesand social media channels.

Follow sites online to stay connected with information on special events, fun facts and photos. Visitors are encouraged to share photos of their visit on social media using the hashtag #ABhistory.

Todayville is a digital media and technology company. We profile unique stories and events in our community. Register and promote your community event for free.

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New Documentary “Cooking with Hot Stones” Explores History of Fort Assiniboine, Alberta

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February 14, 2025 – Alberta, Canada – A compelling new documentary, Cooking with Hot Stones: 200th Anniversary of Fort Assiniboine, is set to air on Wild TV, RFD TV Canada, Cowboy Channel Canada, and you can click here to stream for FREE on Wild TV’s streaming service, Wild TV+. This engaging one-hour feature will take viewers on a journey through time, exploring Fort Assiniboine’s rich history from 1823 to 2023.

Fort Assiniboine is a significant landmark in Alberta, playing a crucial role in Indigenous history, the fur trade, and the western expansion of Canada. This documentary captures the spirit of the region, illustrating how it has evolved over two centuries and how it continues to shape the cultural fabric of the province today.

Wild TV will make the documentary free to stream on Wild TV+ on February 14th so that it can be easily accessed in classrooms and other educational settings throughout the region, ensuring the historical significance of Fort Assiniboine reaches a wider audience.

Produced by Western Directives Inc., Cooking with Hot Stones: 200th Anniversary of Fort Assiniboine brings historical moments to life with vivid storytelling, expert interviews, and breathtaking cinematography.

“We are very excited to partner with Wild TV as part of our one hour documentary production. Based in Alberta, we respect the hard work and quality programming that Wild TV brings to a national audience. With the broadcast opportunity, Wild TV gives our production the ability to entertain and educate Canadians across the country on multiple platforms,” said Tim McKort, Producer at Western Directives.

Scott Stirling, Vice President of Wild TV, also expressed enthusiasm for the project: “At Wild TV, we are passionate about telling Canadian stories that resonate with our audiences. This documentary not only highlights a crucial piece of our nation’s history but also celebrates the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples, traders, and settlers who shaped the land we call home today. We are proud to bring Cooking with Hot Stones: 200th Anniversary of Fort Assiniboine to our viewers across Canada.”

Airtimes for Wild TV can be found here.

For airtimes on RFD TV Canada, click here.

For airtimes on Cowboy Channel Canada, visit CCC’s schedule.

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100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership

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L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer

After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.

Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.

Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:

“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”

Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.

In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:

“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.

To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.

For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca

About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.

The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.

Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.

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