The sharp wail of the historic fire engine siren echoed across the main floor Sunday afternoon as children in blue volunteer T-shirts guided visitors through exhibits at the Prince Albert Historical Museum.
By 2 p.m., about 50 people had already come through the doors, according to Connie Gerwig, a board member and volunteer with the Prince Albert Historical Society. She estimated the museum could see close to 100 visitors over the course of the Family Day free open house.
“I think it is pretty much on par with most years,” Gerwing said. “People are interested in the history.”
Families moved between floors, children tried hands-on activities, and several visitors made their way directly to the museum’s vintage fire truck, where young guests eagerly rang the bell and tested the siren.
“I just like watching how kids love to go into that fire truck,” Gerwing said. “They really enjoy ringing the bells and turning the sirens.”
This year’s event also highlighted recent updates inside the museum. The entranceway has been renovated and now features a restored ceiling and bricks from the former National Hotel, along with a large boiler originally connected to the historic steamship Marquis. A Prince Albert sign salvaged from the old train station is also part of the updated display.
Upstairs, the 1950s, 60s, and 70s displays have been refreshed, including a bedroom complete with shag carpeting, designed to spark conversations between generations.
A volunteer dressed in period clothing demonstrates traditional sewing techniques during the Family Day event.
“Grandparents can bring their grandkids in and show them what things were like,” Gerwing said.
Dion Matthew Darmi was visiting the museum for the first time. He attended with his girlfriend and her son after learning admission was free for Family Day.
“I’ve always wanted to visit the museum ever since I saw it the first time,” Darmi said. “My girlfriend told me it is free today, so I thought, why not.”
Among the exhibits that surprised him most were old German military artifacts.
“I did not expect to find that here,” he said, noting he was fascinated by historical medals on display.
For the young visitor who arrived with them, the highlight was different.
“He’s making beads right now,” Darmi said. “And also the scavenger hunt. He’s really into it.”
Five-year-old Sebastian McCallum-Crow said he especially liked seeing one of the old Musketoons on display.
“I seen that gun up there,” he said when asked about his favourite exhibit.
He also enjoyed ringing a bell during his visit and said he was having a good time.
Throughout the building, youth volunteers helped guide visitors and demonstrated activities. Gerwing said events like Family Day play an important role in encouraging young people to engage with local history.
“We have 20 or 30 kids that come regularly to programming because they enjoy history,” she said. “They are interested in things around here.”
The museum also connects with schools through outreach programs, including artifact-filled suitcases that teachers can borrow for classroom lessons.
Gerwing said she hopes families leave the museum with a deeper understanding of the community’s past.
“I think an appreciation of the history of Prince Albert and the area, even if they just learn one or two things that they did not know before about what was here,” she said.
By late afternoon, the museum remained busy, with families exploring the updated exhibits and youth volunteers guiding visitors through activities across all three levels.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
