Lacombe & District Historical Society
5036 51st Street T4L 1W2 Lacombe, AB, Canada

#Throwbackthursday to a photo of a street sweeper! The street sweeper is cleaning 50th street, right in front of the Lacombe Billiards hall. With the weather this Spring, we are thankful the City of Lacombe has updated their street cleaning assets since this image was taken

Happy Earth Day Lacombe! We have an exciting announcement to share today: COVID-19 continues to change how the world and our communities within it work. The Michener House & Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museums were both closed to the public by Provincial Health Orders and Mandates for the majority of the past 12 months. While this allowed us to focus our efforts on internal projects (Virtual Exhibits, Archives Digitization and Collection Inventories, etc.), we have active...ly been seeking new ways to engage, educate and inspire our communities. We are thrilled today to announce a new project in the works: the Lacombe Museum Learning Garden, to be located at the Michener House Museum (5036 51st Street, Lacombe). This multi-year, staged plan will transform a manicured lawn into an educational and experience-driven space that incorporates a wide breadth of history of the region, from the prehistoric era into the 1920's. The garden will be based on knowledge gleaned from community engagement including local organizations, companies, elders and traditional knowledge keepers; LDHS archival photographs and research; and consultations with landscape and garden experts. "Traditional Heritage Gardens often accompany Heritage Home museums, however the proposed Lacombe Museum Learning Garden at the Michener House is a twist on this traditional notion: with site accessibility, educational programming, reconciliation and opportunities for both self-guided and group tours in mind, this will be an inclusive learning space in the community; accessible for every body to explore. We are eager to start this next step as both a community and regional tourism asset." - Melissa Blunden, Executive Director, Lacombe & District Historical Society. We want to thank the Echo Lacombe Association for their support of this project, as this allows us to expand our services to the community, both during and after the pandemic, as well as continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary. Make sure to follow along as we dig-in to Phase 1 in the coming weeks!!

#Throwbackthursday to a view of Nanton Street looking south! This photo was taken sometime in the 1920s, and you are able to see some of vehicles of the era parked along the street

What is your favorite memory about the Michener House? It has had so many uses over the years as a manse, a rental property, and a museum. The Lacombe & District Historical Society is preparing a new exhibit about the history of the Michener House, and we would love to hear your memories about it or the former Grace Methodist Church that was later the Scout Hall! Share in comments below or email us at [email protected]! All submissions will be retained by the LDHS as part of our ongoing research. Photo: Construction in front of the Michener House and the former Grace Methodist Church, 1958.

We know it was too beautiful of a sunny day to be online yesterday - so here is the direct link to our new exhibit, just in case you're looking for something to do indoors on this snowy Sunday... From his early life out West, born inside the Michener House Museum, learn how Roland Michener became the most populist Governor General of Canada! ... https://lacombemuseum.com/ve-roland-michener/

Can you guess where this photo was taken? Whatever role Roland had, and whatever part of the world he found himself in, his wife Norah was always by his side. Married in 1927, learn more about their story in our virtual exhibit released today! ... lacombemuseum.com/ve-roland-michener/

Today is the day! "Roland Michener: Rooted in the West" is now live on our website. Celebrate the 54th Anniversary of Roland Michener becoming Governor General of Canada by exploring the Lacombe & District Historical Society's new virtual exhibit! https://lacombemuseum.com/ve-roland-michener/

April 17th, 1967. Roland Michener is sworn in as the 20th Governor General of Canada Make sure you check out our newest virtual exhibit, "Roland Michener: Rooted in the West", live on the website now!! ... https://lacombemuseum.com/ve-roland-michener See more

Did you know that Roland Michener was keenly interested in the development of the Lacombe & District Historical Society in the 1970s? Here is a photo of Roland and Norah with members of LDHS (then known as the Maski-Pitoon Historical Society) at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre. Can you pinpoint where on the grounds this photo was taken? drop your guesses in the comments!! Make sure to check out "Roland Michener: Rooted in the West" tomorrow!

Did you know that young Roland was among the earliest Boy Scouts in Alberta? The Red Deer Boy Scouts soon had a highly unusual adventure that did not entirely please many of their parents. Learn more about it on April 17th when the Lacombe & District Historical Society unveils "Roland Michener: A Virtual Exhibit!" Pictured are Girl Guides, Brownies, and Boy Scouts at Roland's 89th Birthday Party at the Michener House Museum on April 19th, 1989.

Where is your favourite place to spend your Birthday? Roly spent his 89th Birthday, on April 19th, 1989 in Lacombe! Here is Roland on Barnet Avenue in Lacombe. Also in this photo is Judy Gordon, who was elected Mayor later that year, and behind her in the pink sweater is the Lacombe & District Historical Society's own Susan! Susan regularly volunteers with the LDHS to help preserve photographs like this one so they can be enjoyed by members of the public and preserved for the future. Make sure you check out our newest virtual exhibit, all about the life of Roland Michener, this Saturday online!

#throwbackthursday to a parade of circus elephants on 50th street here in downtown Lacombe! this has us thinking... what type of old-timey events do you think the Lacombe Museum should resurrect in the coming years? Drop your suggestions below! (no will be coming, sorry!)... LDHS Archives 90.1.1063, circa 1930's.

The Lacombe & District Historical Society is unveiling its newest exhibit "Roland Michener: A Virtual Exhibit" on Saturday, April 17th! Join the event for sneak peeks and special photos from Roland Michener's visits to Lacombe!

This is your reminder that it's the final week to apply for 2021 summer student positions at the Michener House and Blacksmith Shop Museums. Make sure you send your resume in by April 15th at 430pm (send to: [email protected]) We want to thank everyone who has applied so far - we've received more resumes this year than any previous year - and we know we will have an amazing team eagerly waiting for you all when we can reopen the doors!

Today Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh passed away - over the years, the late Duke of Edinburgh made nine official visits to Alberta. The Queen and Duke visited Canada during the 1967 Expo, two months after Roland Michener was sworn in as the Governor General of Canada. Pictured here is Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Roland Michener as they prepare to sit down to a state dinner at Government House in Ottawa in June, 1967.... Image rights : THE CANADIAN PRESS

Today we are sharing another fun video from the Royal Alberta Museum. Watch the adorable teddy bear teach you how to sew a button!

the Victorian Christmas trees were traditionally decorated with dried fruit, candies in wrappers, cookies, nuts, and strands of popcorn or cranberries. Small home made gifts were also popular. Decorations of tin, leather or glass would become cherished heirlooms. Our tree is now up at the Michener House Museum for viewing, until the end of 2020.

The Michener House Museum is open from 1pm - 4pm today! Our current temporary exhibit is "Dean Lock: the Artist," so come out to see some local art and Lacombe's oldest remaining residential building. Due to Covid-19, guests need to pre-book a time. Admission is still free, but pre-booking ensures that multiple groups do not arrive at once and that cleaning can take place between groups. To book, visit https://lacombemuseum.com/ or call us at 403.782.3933. Masks are recommend...ed. Whether wearing masks or not, guests are required to maintain 2 meters of space between themselves and staff. We have a number of online exhibits and are adding more options to our take-home Exploration Kits for you to enjoy Lacombe's heritage from the safety of your home! Call us at 403.782.3933 or visit https://lacombemuseum.com/ to learn more. Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see you at the Michener House Museum!

There are still a few days to come experience the Field of Remembrance yourself this year. The installation will be available until November 15th, 2020.

Join us as we continue our Remembrance Day themed Artifact Friday posts. This weeks pick is a standard issued 1956 Bathroom Kit for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Stay tuned for next week as we feature another wartime artifact in our continued commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War. - Visit our Field of Remembrance at the Michener House Museum November 5th - 15th. ... - Read the Honour Roll | https://lacombemuseum.com/field-of-remembrance/ - Remembering Holland: Stories from Lacombe & the Second World War | https://lacombemuseum.com/remembering-holland-stories-from/ - At Home and Abroad: Stories from Lacombe and the Second World War | https://lacombemuseum.com/at-home-and-abroad/

Join us as we learn about WWII from the community of Blackfalds - and make sure to hit HD in the video playback options! Following the story of Chester Martin, the Blackfalds & Area Historical Society shares how he enlisted in 1940 at the age of 21 in the RCAF and held the rank of Sergeant. Chester passed away in 1942 after sustaining serious injuries in active services and is one of 97 Canadian Airmen buried at the Stratford-on-Avon Cemetery in Warwickshire. We remember M....E Barnes; W.N. Barron; J. Bennett; C.A. Blackmore; G. Blackmore; W. Blazenko; C.H. Brannen; V.M. Capron; N.T. Ellestad; J.P. Elwell; R.J. Evans; H.C. Fackler; G.G. Farewell; J.S. Farewell; E.E. Farr; P. Farr; H.L. Ferguson; W.E. Ferguson; H.G. (Farewell) Fimrite; L.E. Gaskell; C.F. Glenn; C.A. Hahn; E.G. Hale; M.E. (Fairbairn) Hueppelsheuser; C.M. Ironside; E.M. Ironside; W.M Ironside; M.I. (Brannen) Jackson; A.J. Landry; H.J. Landry; L. Landry; H.J. Long; K.L. Long; C.T. Martin; L.H. Martin; R.R. Matthias; W.B. McAlister; G.N. Michener; C.L. Miller; C.D. Miller; J.F. Miller; R.E. Miller; E.E. Parks; L.L. Petry; S.T. Ramsfield; G.W. Ross; H (Graves) Roy; J.W. Russell; J. Sadler; M. Sirois; L.W. Wheeler. See more

#Throwbackthursday to the Adelphi Hotel! This spot marked Lacombes first hotel, The Metropolitan Hotel, until it burned in a massive fire in 1906. A.T Inskip decided to take the opportunity to rebuild a hotel on the very same spot, which became the Adelphi!

We are excited to announce we will be relighting the forge one last time this year! Thats right, we are opening the Blacksmith Shop Museum for the Culture & Harvest Festival on September 26th & 27th from 10am to 4pm. Social distancing will be in place, but pre-booked tours are not required. Please come visit us at the forge one last time for 2020!!

This Culture & Harvest Festival, join the Lacombe Museums in celebrating our shared history!! The Blacksmith Shop Museum will be open for one last time with year, with the forge lit and tours going! We are also running for the first time in 2020 our popular Walking Tours! Tours typically last 45-60 minutes each and we recommend guests preregister for these tours as there are only 15 spots in each! However rest assure we have them departing 4 times a day, all weekend long - s...o there is plenty of opportunities for you to join in! The Walking Tour Schedule is: Saturday September 26th: 11:00am - Mural Walking Tour 11:30am - Heritage Building Walking Tour 1:00pm - Mural Walking Tour Departing 1:30pm - Heritage Building Walking Tour Departing Sunday September 27th: 11:00am - Mural Walking Tour 11:30am - Heritage Building Walking Tour 1:00pm - Mural Walking Tour Departing 1:30pm - Heritage Building Walking Tour Departing All Walking Tours meet at the Michener House Museum (5036-51 St Lacombe). Tours are limited to 15 people each, so we recommend preregistering to save your spot! Register by calling us at 403-782-3933

Join us as we learn about WWII from the community of Bentley - and make sure to hit HD in the video playback options! This video is an interview conducted by the Bentley Museum which follows the WWII story of Joseph (Joe) Landry, as told by his wife Norva (Hutton) Landry. Corporal Norva Hutton of Bentley joined the RCAF/WD in 1943 and was honourably discharged on December 17, 1946. After her discharge, Norva went to the Yukon and worked for the militarys Highway Maintenance Branch. It was while working in the Yukon that Norva met and married Joe Landry. Hear their story, as told by Norva!

#Throwbackthursday to the 1908 Lacombe Ladder Team practicing in front of city hall. Ladder competitions would use firefighting ladders and race to see which team would get to the top the fastest. Lacombes Ladder Team was considered quite good at the time!

Were at the Active Living Fair at the Lacombe Memorial Centre from 4pm until 7:30pm tonight! Come visit us. We have chocolate from Oodles of Chocolate.

A big thank you to Canada Summer Jobs for extending one of our summer students grants! This means we are able to keep the Michener House tours going on weekends over at least the next 7 weeks!! Make sure to call ahead to book your tour or schedule it online at https://calendly.com/info-15859/lacombe-museum-tour 403-782-3933

This summer, we interviewed heritage staff and volunteers across the region. Join us today as we learn about WWII from the community of Alix. Following the story of the Timpe brothers, George & Herbert, the @Alix Wagon Wheel Museum tells the story of the two brothers as they enlisted, stormed Juno Beach, marched in Italy, helped liberate Holland & finally in an act of selfless heroism, how one brother perished in an attempt to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. We remem...ber V.S. Crawford, F. Siddons, C.F. Mattie, S.K. Smith & G.O. Timpe. Lacombe County | City of Lacombe

#Throwbackthursday to the interior of the flatiron building in 1926! The flatiron was constructed in 1904 as the Merchants Bank of Canada building, and was occupied by a bank until 1967!

Join LDHS as we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War by sharing stories from the Lacombe region during the War! Additional features will be posted throughout the month - including videos from Alix Wagon Wheel Museum, Blackfalds & Area Historical Society & the Bentley Museum. City of Lacombe | Lacombe County | Royal Canadian Legion Lacombe Branch#79 | Sunny 94 | Lacombe Express | Lacombe Regional Tourism | Veterans Affairs Canada | Alberta Museums Association

Have you RSVPd to this weeks online exhibit unveiling yet? Featuring multimedia stories from around the entire Lacombe County, our newest Virtual Exhibit is unveiling this week! Join the Facebook Online Event Page to see weekly special features - such as biographies of local war veterans, interesting war artifacts and stories that didnt quite fit into the main exhibit storyline - that we will be releasing over the coming weeks in commemoration of this momentous occasion.... This is an exciting new way for us to offer supplementary information to our engaged social media followers so make sure to RSVP to be a VIP ;) Alix Wagon Wheel Museum, Bentley Museum, Royal Canadian Legion Lacombe Branch#79, Blackfalds & Area Historical Society, Mirror and District Museum Association, City of Lacombe, Lacombe County

It has been a fast summer for us! As we say goodbye to our summer students, who are heading back to school this week, we want to thank our community, including all our volunteers & visitors, both in-person and online. Wed also like to thank our sponsors the City of Lacombe; Lacombe County; Vesta Energy; Oodles of Chocolate; Wolfs Botanical; Tricon Developments Ltd; Lacombe Tourism; Alberta Museums Association; Canadian Museums Association; Volunteer Alberta; the Alberta Government; the Government of Canada; Service Canada; & the Red Deer Foundation.

It is Artifact Friday! Join Jennifer with a textile piece from the early 1900s that features hand-laced details and intricate embroidery - the shirt is Edwardian style like many of the heritage buildings around Lacombe. Leave us a comment letting us know what you think about the shirtwaist!

Todays the day! The sun is shining & we are at the Lacombe Farmers Market for the last time for 2020. Come visit with Paige & Zak one last time - pick up a few handcrafted items or your free walking tour brochure! Remember that tomorrow is the last day for tours of the Michener House & Blacksmith Shop!

#throwbackthursday to 1942! Pictured here are Hazel, Grace, and Betty Graydon playing on wood posts with their dog Perky at their family cabin in Gull Lake!

Jen is taking over the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop today! She is going over the process of branding, and making signs! Dont forget, the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop is now open for tours - check our website or contact us directly to schedule your visit! Thank you to Vesta Energy for supplying us with a community development grant to make our programming in the Blacksmith Shop possible this year!... #SkillsForHomesteaders https://lacombemuseum.com/

Lacombes historic Main Street was featured today by the Provincial Archives!

A Broach, a necklace and a jewelry box! Come see our first jewelry video on Artifact Friday! What is your favourite piece of jewelry? #artifactfriday

Its our second-last week at the Lacombe Farmers Market! Were also going into our last week of having the Michener House Museum and the Blacksmith Shop Museum open for the summer, so dont forget to book a tour and see what your local museums have to offer! book online or call 403.782.3933 www.lacombemuseum.com

HEAT WAVE! Can you imagine wearing one of these swim costumes at Gull Lake today? #throwbackthursday to 1900! Here we have the popular Gull Lake full of guests and boats. The dock was a great place to launch your canoe and it also served as the starting point for several swimming races over the years!

September 2, 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the official end of the Second World War. Join the Lacombe & District Historical Society as we commemorate this significant event. Featuring video interviews with veterans, archival photographs from our collection and stories from around the County - this exhibit will be like no other! We have partnered with multiple heritage groups and museums from across Lacombe County to bring you a wealth of stories demonstrating how the War... impacted, and was experienced by our region. Starting on September 2nd, follow the link provided to view our virtual exhibit. The event will continue over two weeks as we add more stories and features to "At Home & Abroad: Stories from Lacombe & the Second World War," so stay tuned! Please dont forget to support local history by donating to the Lacombe & District Historical Society! If you missed it, also check out "Remembering Holland: Stories from Lacombe & the Second World War"! https://lacombemuseum.com/remembering-holland-stories-from/ See more

Zak is back, and hes brought his brother Nick! He is at the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop and the two will demonstrate rope making! Dont forget, the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop is now open for tours - check our website or contact us directly to schedule your visit! Thank you to Vesta Energy for supplying us with a community development grant to make our programming in the Blacksmith Shop possible this year!... #SkillsForHomesteaders https://lacombemuseum.com/

How would winning $250 help you? Create your #VisitList on the link below and enter to win! Both the Michener House Museum & Blacksmith Shop Museum are listed online for you to add to your lists- $250 cash prizes are drawn every week AND the sites that you choose could win a $5,000 Marketing prize! https://historicplacesday.ca/visitlist-contest/... #historicplacesday

Thank you Red Deer Fencing Club for being part of our year end party!! Were open at the Blacksmith Shop this afternoon forging away, feel free to call us or swing by

Its Artifact Friday! Today we are able to bring you a clothing artifact! Its a bomber styled jacket made from horsehide, and dates back to the 1910s Would you wear this jacket? #artifactfriday

Its Tanners last day at the Lacombe Farmers Market! Come chat with him about all the things that youd like to see from your local museum! Well be here until 1pm. Remember to support your local artisans at the forge!

Our historic murals are famous, and for good reason! Check out this documentary and then download your copy of the Walking Tour online and go enjoy the murals while the summer weather is still here! download your Walking Tour Guides... Www.lacombemuseum.com

#throwbackthursday to 1920! The Lakeview Hotel was a very popular spot for vacationers at Gull Lake who did not own a cabin there. It was just steps from the beach offering prime views of the water.