From private life to public office, Edmonton has a history for that
Edmonton is a great place to learn the history of people, places and things
Alberta Legislature Building and Grounds
The Alberta Legislature building boasts grand architecture, a vibrant parliamentary history and an estimated 56 acres of manicured grounds that once housed a Fort Edmonton trading post. Today the grounds feature over 30 points of interest celebrating and memorializing Alberta’s vibrant history, religions and cultures.
According to Brian Hodgson, Sergeant-at-Arms and Director of Visitor, Ceremonial and Security services for the Legislative Assembly Office, the Alberta Legislature site was carefully chosen.
“Tours of the Legislature Building and Grounds provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about active citizenship and the democratic process as it pertains to Alberta," said Hodgson. "On the south grounds visitors can view the plaques marking the northeast and northwest corners of the final Fort Edmonton structure, the last reminders of the site’s rich historical connections. Our site is truly open for you to discover.”
Guided tours of the five-story building are available year-round and feature attractions including the Chamber as viewed from the public gallery, a portrait collection honouring Alberta’s former lieutenant governors, premiers and speakers and the Partners in Service exhibit, which honours the public service of the partners of Alberta’s Premiers.
Following the guided tour, visitors are encouraged to visit the Visitor Centre, which includes exhibits, retail services and interactive educational activities.
Located at 10900 – 97 Ave NW, summer hours run May 1 through October 30, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with tours on the hour. Admission is free. For a brochure map of the grounds, visit assembly.ab.ca.
Royal Alberta Museum
The Royal Alberta Museum is in the final year of a multiple-year journey to a new location in Edmonton's downtown Arts District. Until September 8, 2015, visitors can still enjoy the popular galleries dedicated to natural history, aboriginal culture and wild Alberta at the current location at 12845-102nd Avenue, just west of downtown.
Feature exhibit Glimpses of the Grasslands: The Artistic Vision of Colin Starkevich, runs May 16 through August 23.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission ranges from $5 to $11, with a family rate of $30. For additional information, visit royalalbertamuseum.ca
John Walter Museum
John Walter migrated from Scotland in 1870 to build boats and eventually became one of Edmonton’s wealthiest citizens. He settled in what is now the community of Walterdale. The John Walter Museum highlights the homes and artifacts related to the life of Walters, his family and the Walterdale community circa 1875 to 1915.
According to Debi Winwood, Communications Advisor with the City of Edmonton, admission is free and public drop-in hours are Sundays in November through March and Saturdays in July through September, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
“During public drop-in hours," said Winwood, "a costumed interpreter will provide you with an intimate tour through the three original homes of John Walter and share stories about John's various industries and the community of Walterdale.”
Located in Kinsmen Park, the museum provides easy access to pools, walking and biking trails and picnic and playground areas. For additional information, visit edmonton.ca/attractions.
