About the Crowsnest Museum & Historical Society

The Crowsnest Museum main facility is located in the building of the old Coleman High School.

The Crowsnest Historical Society was formed in 1973 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized the need to preserve the unique cultural history of the Crowsnest Pass which was quickly disappearing.

It was decided that a book telling the history of the Crowsnest Pass would be written. The book itself would be a fundraiser and could generate money for a future museum while preserving and telling the story. In 1976 the book "Crowsnest and its people" was published. It became a best seller and award winner.

In 1981 the historical society acquired the Coleman High School. Renovations started in earnest on the two story building with the help of many dedicated volunteers and generous federal grants.

In 1985 the Crowsnest Museum opened it's doors to the public.

Mission

• Through collaboration and volunteerism we will:
• Preserve and protect the unique cultural heritage of the Crowsnest Pass and in disseminating it enrich the lives of its citizens.
• Promote and facilitate participation of citizens in a volunteer community based organization to accomplish the above.

Vision

To provide excellent quality exhibits and programming that truly tell the story of the Crowsnest Pass and draw large numbers of visitors of all ages from near and far.

Values – Group decision making. Responsible long range planning. The past matters and we can learn from it. Collaboration. Open decision making, good communication.

Type of Organization – We have been incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta since 1974 and have charitable status for tax purposes. We hold membership in a number of provincial and federal heritage organizations and currently have a membership of between 100 and 200. We have an operations manager and one other full time employee. Additional staff is hired for the summer months.

 Recognized Museum Designation

The Crowsnest Museum has received the Recognized Museum designation from Alberta Museums Association.  The museum earned this designation after participating in the Museum Affirmation Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen the Association's accountability toward the public funds it distributes through grants and programming to the province's museums.

The Crowsnest Museum, has been provided with the Recognized Museum logo to display at their museum.  To earn this designation, the museum provided a panel of museum professionals with evidence demonstrating how they are meeting the internationally recognized definition of a museum.

Location

Located in Coleman, National Historic Site, in the beautiful Crowsnest Pass.

7701 - 18th Ave. Box 306, Coleman AB T0K 0M0

Phone / Fax (403) 563-5434
email    cnmuseum@shaw.ca

Membership

Want to help support local history, and love visiting the Crowsnest Museum? By becoming a member of the Crowsnest Historical Society, you get free admission to the Museum for the entire year, a 10% discount on items in the Gazebo Giftshop, and invitations to Museum events, exhibit openings, and more.

2010 Membership Fees (One Year)