Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) is announcing the event lineup for July and August as part of its ongoing programming that offers something for everyone.
The WDM remains open throughout the year for self-guided visits and holds regular programs to support its mission of sharing Saskatchewan’s history and bringing new life to the people who helped shape the province.
Exhibits
In addition to several permanent exhibits focused on transportation including the Aircraft Gallery, Rail Gallery, Snowbirds Gallery, and 100 Years of Saskatchewan History, the museum occasionally hosts temporary exhibits with artifacts from across the province.
- Upcoming exhibits: There are no new exhibits for July and August.
Upcoming events
- Brickspo: The Saskatchewan LEGO Users Group (SLUG) returns to showcase extravagant and detailed LEGO creations with talent from across the province on July 27 and 28.
- From Coast to Coast: A Pilot’s Journey: Lucas Dejmek, a 19-year-old pilot who is flying from coast to coast will stop by the museum to deliver a presentation about his adventures on Aug. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Regular programming
- Blow Off Some Steam: Learn about the history of the railroad and experience firsthand the raw power of steam including the fully restored 75 Case steam traction engine on Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Seek and find
The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet and visitors search through the galleries for clues that can be found on interpretation signs or display cases.
- Where the Wildflowers Grow: Learn more about native Saskatchewan flowers. Runs from July 1 to July 31.
- 75th Anniversary Accession Numbers: Learn more about the Western Development Museum Act. Runs from July 1 to July 31.
- 75th Anniversary Timeline: Learn more about the museum’s history. Runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.
- Yellow and Green: Learn about the official flag of Saskatchewan. Runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.
Courses and workshops
Several educational courses are offered seasonally and teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction engine operation, with certificates typically earned on completion.
- Upcoming courses: There are no courses available in July or August, however the Saskatoon branch will be holding a summer camp program.
Summer gallery pop-ups
The museum’s pop-up programs allow its galleries to come to life with activities, demonstrations, crafts, and games that reflect a given aspect of Saskatchewan’s shared heritage.
- Sunday, July 21: Learn how ice cream was made throughout Saskatchewan’s history.
- Monday, Aug. 5: Learn about the symbols that represent the province.
- Sunday, Aug. 11: Learn about the ground support crews that keep the Airforce running.
- Sunday, Aug. 18: Learn more about the history of harvesting in Saskatchewan.
K+S Short Line 101
To showcase the raw power of steam energy, the WDM showcases its fully operational K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train each summer and guests can catch a ride on a piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive.
- Upcoming train schedule: Contact the museum for an updated schedule.
Virtual Coffee Club
The Virtual Coffee Club offers museum patrons the opportunity to learn more about the history of the province from home through an online presentation with a chance to ask questions. To attend meetings on the Zoom app, visit WDM.ca/CoffeeClub to register or call Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989. A full archive of presentations can be found on the museum’s YouTube Channel, ‘WDM Coffee Club.’
- Next Virtual Coffee Club meeting: The museum's Virtual Coffee Club is expected to be discontinued as of its last showing on June 27.
Reminiscence Kits
The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. Containing day-to-day artifacts from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, these kits can be rented by care homes and other organizations over two weeks for $75. Visit WDM.ca/Reminiscence to book your kit.
Teacher resources
Several resources are available to teachers from information packages to field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw/Learn/For-Teachers for more information.
- Upcoming educational events: Educational programming will return in September with the introduction of a new, curriculum-based museum quest program. Look for additional details later this year.
History album
The museum’s history album tells the story of Saskatchewan’s past though the stories of families, small towns, and community organizations across the province. To view the album, visit SaskHistory.ca.
Birthday parties
The museum may just be the perfect venue for your child’s upcoming birthday party. For a fee of only $200, children ages five to eight can experience a two-hour transportation-themed party and up to seven friends are included in the price. You can book by calling the museum.
Volunteering
The WDM is always looking for volunteers to help make programming, summer events, and numerous specialized roles at the museum possible. At the museum’s regular volunteer intakes, volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones will provide a tour of the facility, review safety protocols, and find suitable opportunities for everyone’s training and interests.
- Next volunteer orientations: Thursday, July 18 at 10 a.m. and Thursday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.
Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s gift shop for several great gift ideas.
The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.
The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer.
For more information, visit WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw or reach out to Alexis Jones, the museum's program and volunteer co-ordinator at 306-693-5989 or by email at AJones@wdm.ca.
The Western Development Museum is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.
