MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) has announced its lineup of programs for March as regular programming resumes.
Upcoming events
- Smarter Science, Better Buildings: The Saskatchewan Environmental Society has partnered with the WDM to offer a two-hour program for Grade 7 students. The program features six workstations exploring energy efficiency and water conservation methods. Students will spend one hour at the workstations and another hour exploring the museum’s galleries to compare historical and modern building techniques. The program is focused on student education and runs for three weeks starting on Feb. 26.
- Smarter Science, Better Buildings open house: The public is then invited to a free open house to explore these same workstations and learn about practical tips to make your home comfortable and energy efficient to lower maintenance costs. This will take place on Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thunder Creek Model Train Show: The returning train show features various displays from hobbyists across the Prairies and includes a cash-only onsite concession. Regular museum admission fees apply. This will take place on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum.
Seek and find
The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet, and visitors search the galleries for clues on interpretive signs or display cases. Check the museum’s website for updates.
- Women in History seek and find: Guests can explore 100 years of local history and learn about some of the contributions women made to Saskatchewan’s past from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 1 to 31.
- Diamond seek and find: The WDM celebrated 75 years of operation on April 2, 2024. Guests can now search the museum for 12 hidden diamond images to commemorate this milestone, as diamonds traditionally symbolize 75-year anniversaries. This will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 1 to 31.
Courses and workshops
The museum offers seasonal educational courses that teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction engine operation, with certificates typically awarded upon completion.
- Upcoming courses: An introductory blacksmithing course is being offered at the corporate office in Saskatoon for $525 for participants aged 16 and over. The course is fully booked but you can join a cancellation waiting list by contacting the museum. There will be one final intake for the waiting list on Friday, March 7.
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: The Short Line 101 has concluded its runs for the winter season.
Reminiscence Kits
The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. These kits, containing everyday artifacts from the 1950s to the 1970s, can be rented by care homes and other organizations for two weeks at a cost of $75, with an additional $25 fee for a one-week extension. Visit WDM.ca/Reminiscence to book your kit.
Teacher resources
Teachers can access a variety of resources, including information packages and field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw/Learn/For-Teachers for more information.
History album
The museum’s history album tells Saskatchewan’s story through the experiences 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. During regular volunteer intakes, volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones will give a facility tour, review safety protocols, and match opportunities to volunteers’ skills and interests.
- Next volunteer orientations: Contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 for more information.
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’s winter hours are in effect and the museum and gift shop will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding Mondays and statutory holidays when the WDM will be closed.
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 [email protected].
The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.
