The Badlands Historic Centre might be getting a new lease on life and interested parties are looking at reviving the institution with a new focus.
The Badlands Historical Centre has, like many other institutions, struggled through COVID.
It was also a victim of a break and enter and theft in 2019, which also compounded the issues. Stan Solberg tells the Mail the Drumheller and District Museum Society and the Homestead Museum are taking the initial steps to amalgamate.
On Sunday, March 20, a few of the interested parties took some time to explore the museum and talk about future possibilities.
Solberg said the vision is to celebrate the evolution of agriculture from pre-biblical days to the present and into the future. The Museum with its collection will have a distinctive local flavour.
“Over the years Drumheller has been a huge agricultural center. It began as a center for pioneer farmers and ranchers, who took up land in the area,” explains Solberg. “When mining came it was still important. In downtimes in the mines, when prices were low, the farmers were always here, always the backbone of the town.”
The railway compounded this as Drumheller quickly became a hub for the industry and it continues to be today.
“Drumheller has always been good at honouring the history of the miners and the dinosaur background we have pushed for tourists very, very energetically. But not one time have we done a tribute to the farmers and ranchers. Now we hope we can make Drumheller aware, to not only Drumheller citizens but the province as a whole, of the amount of grains and beef that come from this area.”
He said they hope to partner with other institutions in the valley such as other museums, and groups.
On Sunday there was representation from the Town of Drumheller, the Drumheller Farmer’s Market, and the East Coulee School Museum.
The Badland Historical Society has a varied and eclectic collection, celebrating the social, agricultural, mining, and palaeontological history.
Pat Thompson of the Drumheller and District Museum Society said he is relieved there are people interested in reviving the museum. With such a collection, many items will remain with the new agriculture focus. Many items are on permanent loan from the owners, and they will have to be contacted. Other museums might be able to also take on some of the items that fit with their motif.
An annual general meeting will be coming up in the near future to elect a new board and continue the process. They are looking ahead and Solberg said they will have the transfer meeting as soon as possible.
“We can’t think of a better place to kick this off!”
