Holden Historical Society Museum
Box 32,
Holden AB
T0B 2C0
Summer Hours: The Museum is open in 2011 from May 20th to August 28th. Regular hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 noon to 4:00 pm.
Open by appointment anytime, including off-season. Celebrate birthdays, family reunions, or bring visitors for a private visit at the Museum. To book a time, call 780-688-3593 and leave a message, or email holdenmuseum@gmail.com
No admission - donations always welcome.
WELCOME:
Holden Historical Society Museum welcomes visitors to share the history of Holden and area. In 1991 the Holden Museum was established on the main floor of the current building. Visitors will experience a pioneer kitchen, an outdoor Piche oven, general store, church, schoolroom, barbershop, tool shed and a parlour full of beautiful handcrafted items.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The building itself has an interesting and varied past. It was built in 1911 and was originally used as the town hall, the fire hall, and it has a jail cell on the main floor. The old hand-operated fire hose cart is displayed on the Museum grounds.
The upper floor was used as a community and dance hall and later as a silent movie theatre. The building was given to the Masons in 1935 and the Masonic Lodge room, upstairs, is still used today. Tours of the Lodge, large outdoor artifacts, and workshop are available on request.
Children will enjoy some of the hands-on displays, the opportunity to dress up in period costume, and having their photo taken in a real jail. There are also interesting things for parents to share with their toddlers. Students are welcome to research information for their projects.
Holden Museum holds Recognized Museum status by Alberta Museums Association, is a member of Central Rural East Alberta Museums (CREAM) and Kalyna Country (www.kalynacountry.com).
SOMETHING SPECIAL:
We suggest you start your visit by viewing the miniature Village of Holden, which depicts the community as it actually was in 1909 - 1911. Every building is historically correct in detail, using information found in photos, newspapers and other research. See the rail yards, passenger train station and elevator as it once was. Visitors can look straight down Main Street and get a feeling of what early Holden was like. Imagine walking down the boardwalks, look into some of the business windows at merchandise, and see people going about their daily lives.
Don't miss this truly unique experience. A visit to the miniature village will enhance your appreciation and understanding of artifacts displayed throughout the museum.
Member of Alberta Museums Association and Central Rural East Alberta Museums
