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.


Friday, August 20, 2010

Owl Acoustic Lounge ... a great place to visit in Downtown Lethbridge for live music, local art and tasty food!

STEVEN








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Steve Foord and his partners offer their customers a new twist on live music in Lethbridge. Their goal is to showcase the wealth of artistic talent our city has to offer ... both visual and performing. They've created a unique venue that definitely shows a strong passion and commitment towards music, art and food. Everything about the 'Owl' has a local flavour, right down to the uniquely crafted stage that was handcrafted by a local artisan. Although the Owl Acoustic Lounge has only been open for a relatively short period time, it has already gained a solid reputation for quality.

Located in the old O'Riley's Restaurant space in the historic Whitney Block building on 3rd Avenue South, the 'Owl' is the place to go for live music, local art and great food. High ceilings, soothing colors, stimulating art, great music and tasty food, all combine to create a very cool dining experience.

The menu is chock-full of tantelizing treats such as their incredible BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Beer & Cheese Soup and the indulgent, but out-of-this-world good, Burger Stack (beef patty topped with BBQ smoked pork, cheddar cheese and all the fixings).

Each week the owners of the 'Owl' shine a light on the enormous amount of talent our city has to offer. They want their customers to see new bands and experience music that you didn't even know you enjoyed. They want you to see your favorite bands and entertainers in a way you haven't seen them before.

When you're looking for a fresh experience, make sure to check out the Owl Acoustic Lounge at 411 - 3rd Avenue South. They are open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until closing with 'live music' every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no cover charge ... ever!). Free wireless internet is also available. Phone 403-942-1770 for more information.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Movie in the Park Event in Downtown Lethbridge




The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is sponsoring another Movie in the Park event this Saturday, August 7 in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. The fun starts at 8:00 p.m. with hula-hoop contests, Air Guitar Hero, and give-a-aways. We're showing the family movie 'Furry Vengeance' starting at approximately 9:45 p.m. This is a FREE event, so make sure to let all your friends and family know about it.

The weather forecast looks promising and if it gets too hot you can always cool off at the Rotary Centennial Plaza water feature located on the southeast corner of the park. Make sure to bring a blanket and lawn chair. Many of the local downtown businesses will be open late if you need to pick up a cold drink after enjoying a bag of BRZ popcorn. All proceeds from the sale of BRZ popcorn will go to a local charity.

For more information on the Movie in the Park event visit www.movieinthepark.ca.