Families are invited to step inside local history during the Family Day free open house at the Prince Albert Historical Museum on Monday, Feb. 16.
The museum will be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering free admission, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and guided opportunities to explore all three levels of the building at 10 River Street.
Michelle Taylor, manager and curator with the Prince Albert Historical Society, said the Family Day open house has become a long-running tradition.
“This is something we have been doing for about the last 10 years,” Taylor said. “It is a really great way for families to come in, see the museum, do some activities, and learn about the city’s history.”
Visitors arriving on Monday will be greeted by volunteers of all ages, including youth members who will be on site leading demonstrations connected to heritage activities. Taylor said the goal is to make the museum feel active and welcoming, especially for families who may not visit regularly.
“There will be different demonstrations that people can participate in or just chat with the demonstrators about,” she said.
The open house also highlights the museum’s three levels, each offering a different window into Prince Albert’s past. The main floor focuses on early Indigenous history and the development of the area from pre-contact through the 1900s, along with popular features such as the historic fire truck display.
The second floor shifts to a mid-20th-century theme, with exhibits reflecting everyday life in the 1950s and 1960s. Taylor said this space often sparks meaningful conversations between generations.
“There are things there that people in their 60s remember from their childhood,” she said. “It really helps grandparents have those conversations with their grandchildren about what life used to look like.”
The lower level explores business and industry, showcasing the sectors that helped shape the city and provided employment for generations of residents.
Taylor noted that the upper and lower levels are not wheelchair accessible, and visitors with mobility concerns may be limited to the main floor. Staff and volunteers will be available to assist and answer questions throughout the afternoon.
New features will also greet visitors as soon as they enter the building. The museum recently completed work on its front entrance, which now includes a restored ceiling and a large cast iron boiler plate salvaged from the former National Hotel.
“They are very new and flashy pieces that people will notice right away,” Taylor said.
Offering free admission on Family Day is a key part of the museum’s outreach, she added.
“Even though we are not expensive, we try to make the museum as accessible as possible,” Taylor said. “Days like Family Day make it easier for families who might not otherwise be able to come.”
Taylor encouraged residents who think they have already seen the museum to take another look.
“The museum does change,” she said. “There is more going on that day than just looking at exhibits. Just come and see what has changed.”
The Family Day free open house runs Monday, Feb. 16, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prince Albert Historical Museum.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
