Visitors will experience displays of a pioneer kitchen, an outdoor Piche oven, general store, church, schoolroom, barbershop, tools and a parlor full of beautiful handcrafted items. Housed in the original Fire Hall, built in 1911, complete with original jail cell. Join us at our season opening – 3rd weekend of May, Holden Farmers Day – 2nd Saturday of June, and Season Closing – 1st weekend of September.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The building itself has an interesting and varied past was built in 1911. It was originally used as combined town hall, fire hall, with 2 jail cells on the main floor. The old hand pulled fire hose-cart is displayed on the Museum grounds. The upper floor was used as a community center, as dance hall and later as a silent movie theatre. The building was provided to the Masons in 1935 and the Masonic Lodge still uses it today. Tours of the Lodge, large outdoor artifacts and museum workshop are available on request.
Children & Adults alike will enjoy getting their photo taken in a real jail. Students & Visitors are welcome to research information for their projects.
Holden Museum holds Recognized Museum status by Alberta Museums Association (AMA), is a member of Central Rural East Alberta Museums (CREAM) and Kalyna Country. (www.kalynacountry.com)
SOMETHING SPECIAL:
We suggest you start your visit by visiting the miniature Village of Holden as it actually was in 1909-1911. Every building is historically correct in detail, using information found in photos, newspapers and other research. See the rail yards, passenger train station and elevator as it once was. Visitors can look straight down Main Street and get a feeling of what early Holden was like. Imagine walking down the boardwalks, look in some of the business windows at merchandise and see people going about their daily lives.
A visit to the miniature village will truly enhance your appreciation and understanding of artifacts displayed throughout the museum.
RESEARCH AND INFORMATION:
Holden Museum offers internet and written materials for research and study during open hours and by appointment. Visitors are welcome to take advantage of the History area of museum. Copying service is available for your any of your discoveries.
THE MUSUEM IS OPEN:
The Museum is open from mid-May to mid-September; regular hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 pm. No admission but donations always welcome.
The Museum is always open by appointment for family reunions, birthdays or visitors; no matter how small the group. Just call the museum at 780-688-3593 to make an appointment. Please leave a message or you can send an email to the above email.
Holden Historical Society Museum welcomes visitors to share the history of Holden and area. Established in 1991 in the main floor of the building.
Address:
4928 – 50th Avenue Box 32 Holden, Alberta Canada T0B 2C0
Directions: 1/2 block east of mainstreet Cenotaph
Phone Number: (780) 688-3593
Website: http://village.holden.ab.ca
