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.

Tompkins Jewellers ... providing exceptional service and a wide selection of expertly crafted jewellery & giftware

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Lisa takes us on a tour of her bright and inviting store in downtown Lethbridge. Tompkins Jewellers has earned a solid reputation for exceptional customer service, product knowledge and a wide selection of fine jewellery and exclusive giftware.

Tompkins Jewellers is a second generation family business that was established in 1983. It was originally located in the old El Rancho Hotel and Convention Centre on Mayor Magrath Drive.

They pride themselves as being the home for the largest selection of Korite Ammolite jewellery and Ammonite fossils in southern Alberta. Ammolite, the fossilized gemstone, displays a rich variety of brilliant colors and textures. They work closely with the owners of the Korite Ammolite mine that is located about 25 minutes outside of Lethbridge. The mine is one of only two commercial Ammolite mines in the world. Exclusive tours can be arranged through Tompkins Jewellers. This one-of-a-kind tour is a great way to learn about Alberta history, geography, geology, gemmology and palentology.

Lisa and her knowledgeable staff provide a number of services including custom designed jewellery from concept, to design, to production of the final piece. Customers can arrange for an appointment to meet with one of their designers and discuss a variety of concepts and options. Their state-of-the-art equipment can produce amazing 3-dimensional renderings of their customers designs. Once the design is approved, a wax model is produced. The wax model is used to create a one-of-a-kind fine jewellery piece that will sparkle and delight for generations to come.

Besides their wide selection of fine jewellery, Tompkins has a number of exclusive lines of giftware such as the highly collectable Thomas Sabo Charm Club Collection and Sid Dickens Memory Blocks. Check out their great selection of popular Steelx and inspirational jewellery.

Tompkins Jewellers also serves as a downtown gallery for paintings and prints by well-known local artist, Karen Brownlee. Each year, the store takes part in the popular Allied Arts Council's ArtWalk. Karen is usually on hand to paint and talk with visitors during store hours.

For more information, call 403 - 327-3119. Tompkins Jewellers is located at 326 - 7th Street South. Visit them online at www.tompkinsjewellers.com (watch for their upcoming online shop).