Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Galt Museum & Archives offers up an engaging, interactive, stimulating and fun experience for everyone!

Anine




Just a few of the over 20,000 interesting artifacts in the Galt collection


Hands-on interaction in the Discovery Hall

Temporary exhibit - 'Our Ancestors Have Come to Visit: Blackfoot Shirts'



Volunteers play an important role by cataloguing images and artifacts.




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Located on the west end of 5th Avenue in Downtown Lethbridge, the Galt Museum & Archives definitely shatters the stereotypes that are usually associated with the word 'museum'. Interesting ... yes! Boring ... absolutely not! The Galt is a vibrant gathering place that is designed to fulfill everyone's historical, cultural and educational needs.

The Galt Museum & Archives went through a major expansion in 2004-2005 and was re-opened in 2006. Besides adding much-needed space for their amazing collection of 20,000+ artifacts and 300,000+ documents, the expansion project also included the addition of a bright and expansive Viewing Gallery that overlooks the coulees and the spectacular CPR High Level Bridge. For those looking for a bit of exercise, there is easy access to parks and walking paths that will lead you to the Oldman River Valley.

Although there is always lots to see and do at the Galt, one of the highlights is the hands-on interactive experience in the Discovery Hall. Kids of all ages have a chance to get fully immersed in the history of Southwestern Alberta and the culture of the Kainai people. Visitors are encouraged to take a virtual plane ride over the undulating prairie landscape, dig up the history of the local coal mines, duck under a giant replica of Lethbridge's famous High Level Bridge and so much more. Discovery Hall also has a changing exhibit space that offers something new for visitors who may have visited the Galt on an earlier occasion.

For families, the Galt is the perfect place for children to have fun and 'learn while doing'. At their weekly Saturdays at 1:00 program, families can participate in recent and not-so-recent history and take-home projects. Make sure to ask about their Backpacks, Treasure Hunts and interactive stations ... all designed to make learning fun.

The Galt is well-known for their special events and programs that include an Easter Egg Extravaganza, Whoop-Up Days BBQ, Galt Beer Tasting fundraiser, New Year's Eve Party, film screenings, Halloween and Christmas events. Like I said, the Galt isn't a stereotypical museum. Although they definitely take history seriously, they are all about bringing the past alive and making learning interesting and enjoyable.

For those that are serious about history, the Galt has a professionally trained collections and archives staff. Services from preservation advice to object research are offered by appointment and they are always interested in speaking to people about donations of 2 and 3-dimensional materials.

The Museum Store offers a wide selection of unique Southern Alberta and exhibition-related gifts, books and souvenirs, including Ammolite - Lethbridge's official gemstone. Visitors have an opportunity to purchase a wide selection of hand-crafted glass works, pottery, jewellery, textiles, prints and photographs by local artists. Visitors can begin or end their visit with a Galt Blend Coffee, roasted locally, in the Viewing Gallery.

For information about hours of operation, admission fees and group tours, visit www.galtmuseum.com. Call the Galt at (403) 320-4258 or (403) 320-3954.


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