The Great Railway Adventure

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About

Showcasing the personal side to railroading and the way of life that celebrates our country's heritage and history. Hands-on opportunities for the public to craft backgrounds for their own railroad layouts at home. The Model Railroad Club will run workshops throughout the day teaching train lovers how to make their own miniature trees, landscape scenery, and dioramas. The do-it-yourself component requires pre-registration, as social distancing will be front and centre in our program. Model railroading as a hobby is growing rapidly, and our Outdoor Garden Train will become the newest addition to our heritage building and artifacts. It is a permanent, large scale, outdoor model railroad with information placards enhancing the telling of the development of Didsbury and area following the arrival of the railroad in 1890. This outdoor train will complement the permanent and portable model layouts located on the second floor of the museum. Professional storytellers have put together a pre-recorded video telling three different tales: "Ghost Train" (the plight of Chinese rail workers who helped build Canada's trans-continental railway); "The Last Spike" (the story of the boy in the picture); and "Love and Tragedy – Cupid strikes at the 5th siding, Didsbury". Antique 2-cylinder tractors on display. A showcase of textile crafts (Spinning, weaving, dyeing, and basket weaving). "Memory Lane – Tour our Quilts" - quilts that have been documented by the Alberta Quilt Discovery Project. Pre-recorded old-time music with Prairie Wool (local group). Saturday evening concludes with Canadian movies with a railroad theme. All health and safety protocols will be followed. Some of the indoor events are by pre-registration only with limited seating – Call 403-335-9295 to register. The Didsbury Museum has just received 3 Gold Reader's Choice Awards for Best Museum, Best Historical Building, and Best Tourism Attraction in Mountain View County.

Links

• Didsbury Museum didsburymuseum.ca
• Didsbury Museum on Facebook facebook.com

Organizer

Didsbury and District Historical Society

The Didsbury and District Museum tells the story of the founding, settlement and development of Didsbury, Alberta and surrounding area from the late 1800s to the present in order to preserve our past for future generations. Our Vision is to celebrate our heritage through interactive adventure and learning experiences. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm in the winter (extended hours in the summer). Our beautiful two-story brick and sandstone building was built in 1907 and the school held its first classes in 1908. There are several theme rooms (Military, Mercantile, Homestead, Schoolroom, Worship, Railroad, Agriculture, Communication), plus exhibits in hallways for First Nations and Metis, the monarchy, antique cars and others. You need to plan at least one hour on your visit. The Mountain View Model Railroad Club meets here every week.