East-Central Museums
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide to Museums in East-Central, Alberta.
Preserving the history of Canadian rail, the Wainwright Rail Park features vintage railway equipment, including various cars, cabooses, locomotives and tools.
Built in 1955, the Lean to Museum depicts the fur trade and early settlers to Fort Vermilion and the surrounding area. Many of the items on display date back to the late 1700's. In addition, colorful artifacts from the Beaver, Dene and Cree First Nations are on display.
Beaverhill Lake Nature Centre/Museum
Beaverhillake is famous for its bird sanctuary. This area has fascinated a great number of people over time.
Sedgewick Archives Gallery & Museum
Located in the historic Bank of Montreal building on Main Street, the Sedgewick Archives Gallery & Museum displays various exhibits and artifacts that depict the local history. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Camrose Railway Park
Camrose Railway Park is located in the heart of Camrose's heritage district. The 1911 Canadian Northern Railway depot is the centrepiece of the park, housing unique artifacts, archives and a library. The park is also home to Morgan Gardens and The Station Tea Room.
Viking Museum
The old Viking Municipal Hospital built in 1921 became the Viking Museum in 1984. Various artifacts of pioneer life are displayed in seperate rooms, each of which has been redecorated to represent a particular setting of that early era of local history. There is also a pioneer village which includes a school from 1907, a log store from 1903, a church from 1938, and a farmhouse from 1919.
Edgerton Museum
Offering a comprehensive look into the area's pioneer past, the Edgerton Museum houses various artifacts, from household items to farm equipment. A restored windmill, CN station, the 1911 Rural Battle Valley School and the first Methodist Church are located on the museum grounds, and the museum is also the proud home of a rare Viewagar Autochrom collection.
Wainwright District Museum
Housed in a restored railway station, the Wainwright District Museum includes displays of pioneer life, agriculture, railroading, antique radios and telephones, and a reconstructed 1900 post office. Open daily 9 am - 5 pm.
Chauvin & District Museum
Telling the history of Chauvin, the museum displays artifacts donated by local pioneer families. The grounds are also home to a variety of antique machinery and the 1910 Roros School. Admission by donation. Tours are available by appointment.
Camrose and District Centennial Museum
Visit the reconstructed buildings from the town's early days. Aside from refurbished buildings such as the old firehall and R.C.M.P. station, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts. Various events are housed at the museum throughout the year. The museum is open daily from mid-May until early September.
Tofield Historical Society & Museum
Located in the Beaverhill Lake Nature Centre, the Tofield Museum tells the story of the history and development of the area. Collections include First Nations artifacts, pioneer tools, household items and more. Admission by donation.
Forestburg Historical Society Museum
Located in the old Masonic Temple, which was built in 1927, the Forestburg Museum displays various local artifacts. The museum is open to the public during summer months.
Diplomat Mine Museum
Forestburg's unique surface coal mining museum reveals the history of mining in Canada. See historical machinery, including the impressive Marion 360 stripping shovel--the largest on land machine when it was built in 1927. This outdoor museum is open daily, weather permitting. Admission by donation. Travel 8km west from Forestburg on Highway 53 and 8km south on S.R. 855.
