Aside from preserving and interpreting history of southwest Alberta, the Galt [formerly the Sir Alexander Galt Museum and Archives] has a great history itself!

• In October 1888, a Scientific and Historical Society was formed in Lethbridge. There was some talk of preserving records but the emphasis was mostly on bi-weekly meetings at which papers were presented.
• It wasn't until 1944, when Walter Gurney opened a private museum in the former Board of Trade building, that Lethbridge had its first museum. Gurney amassed a collection of oddities and curios. Eventually, this museum was closed and a majority of the artifacts went on display at the private Altamont Museum in Coutts, Alberta.
• In 1963, the city acquired the Bowman Elementary School and George McKillop took the responsibility of being the museum's first curator.
• In 1965, the first civic museum opened its doors in Lethbridge. The museum quickly outgrew its three rooms at the Bowman School and relocated to its present facility at the Galt Hospital.
• After considerable renovation, the Sir Alexander Galt Museum opened its doors in 1967.
• The historical society operated the museum with volunteers until 1971.
• Through the efforts of many people, the Galt Museum was placed in the Urban Parks Program in the early 1980s and the museum expanded once more.
• Reopened in 1984, new gallery space and expanded storage space allowed the museum to develop new programs and temporary exhibits, and to care for its collections in a manner that meets accepted standards of museum practice.
• In September 2004 the Galt Museum moved its offices and collections off-site to facilitate a second expansion... Grand opening is scheduled for May 6, 2006.

The Galt today…

… plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the material culture of Lethbridge and southern Alberta. The Archives contain an extensive collection of information on the human history of Lethbridge and southern Alberta. Today, the museum cares for well over 20,000 artifacts and 300,000 archival documents and photographs. These collections continue to grow. The history of Lethbridge and southwest Alberta can be explored through the Galt's rotating world-class exhibitions, special events and school and weekend programs. The Galt Gift Shop offers visitors a selection of historic publications and other unique local products. The Galt is well respected in Alberta's museum community, has a growing national profile and is committed to international museum standards.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new Galt in 2006!