Musée Heritage Museum slides into the year with four planned exhibitions, each showcasing different facets of St. Albert’s march through history.
Special Black History Month Display
In a nod to St. Albert’s Black culture, the museum salutes Marilyn McGreer’s Jamaican heritage and athlete Jesse Lipscombe’s guide book to getting motivated, Art of Doing.
In addition, close to a dozen wood sculptures and carvings are on loan from the Africans and African Descendant Friendship Club of St. Albert. The carvings are primarily from Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and were gifted to the friendship club by Sister Gertrude Sapracolle and Richard Southwell. The art works will remain on display for the duration of Black History Month.
Signs of the Times
March 4 to July 5
Sign of the Times encapsulates some of the most vibrant and dynamic signs donated to the museum archives. One of the big draws promises to be the former St. Albert Public Library apple tree that was retired in early 2023. The life-size apple tree, once located in the children’s library, was covered with soft pillows at the roots, welcoming readers of all ages to sit and read a book.
“It’s going to be here during the children’s festival and I’m sure we’ll hear lots of stories from people who sat under the tree. It holds a lot of memories for many people and this is a natural place to be preserved,” said museum curator Martin Bierens.
Raising St. Albert
July 15 to Nov. 15
This exhibition features children’s objects people keep and explores the meaning behind them.
“Many of these objects hold a lot of meaning for people and they remember times that were so impactful in their lives,” Bierens said.
Historically different cultural groups had diverse child-rearing practices and the exhibition will reflect those varied experiences.
“For us the most important part is the story.”
Anyone who would like to contribute stories, photos or unusual items are welcome to contact Bierens at 780-459-1528.
St. Albert and the Northwest Resistance
Nov. 25 to April 4, 2026
Unknown to many, during the Louis Riel uprising in Saskatchewan in 1885, St. Albert Mission delivered a strong political presence. The St. Albert Rifles, primarily a Métis force of 40 men led by Samuel Cunningham, travelled to Lac La Biche to defend the Lac La Biche Mission.
“They went to defend the mission from anyone who was hostile,” Bierens said. He said several weeks prior to the Rifles’ arrival, Chief Big Bear and a raiding party ransacked the Hudson's Bay Company stores.
“Everyone was fearful the mission would be attacked, but it never was. They never saw action. They acted as a deterrent," said Bierens. “It was a very complicated time with lots on the go. This exhibition has some neat insights of smaller stories often forgotten in the wider history and they add to our knowledge.”
Bierens is a diehard history buff and encourages everyone to view the upcoming exhibitions.
“There is something for everyone in the work we do. Your local museum is the best way to learn more history, know where we came from, who these people are and how they have affected us.
Museum exhibitions are free. The museum is located inside St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street.
