The Cochrane Historical Museum, which is accepting visitors for its second year.
With a renovations underway and a new summer student hired – thanks to a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure grant presented to the Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) earlier this year – the museum is gearing up for a busy season.
CHAPS received $18,500 to be split between 2016 and 2017. This year the grant money will be put towards a new flagpole, signage for the museum, renovations for display cases, and also pays half of the salary of the summer student.
The museum opened May 2015 offering residents and visitors a chance to explore the past of Cochrane, through photos and historical artifacts.
“We are always looking for more things to add to the museum,” Gordon Davies, CHAPS president said.
“And we are more than happy to photocopy photos or documents so people can keep their originals.”
Society members are hopeful Cochrane residents might bring forward historical items that reveal new historical facts about the town.
“Based on the history of the community, the museum is a good fit,” explained Frank Hennessey, museum president.
“We were one of the only towns in Alberta that did not have an (official) historical museum… now Cochrane has a place to celebrate the history of this town.”
The Cochrane Historical Museum is staffed predominantly by volunteers and is located at the Cochrane Ranche, the museum is free to tour. For more information, visit chapscochrane.com.
