About Us

We would like to recognize and honour that we are gathered today to learn, share, and work on the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Shuswap First Nations.

Mandate, Mission & Vision

Mandate

The Cranbrook History Centre is a landmark site located in Cranbrook BC. We preserve and display a nationally designated railcar collection, internationally recognized paleontology specimens, and serve as a repository for the history of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region for all to explore and discover.

Mission

We believe in the power of history and science to ignite the imagination, stimulate curiosity, provide enjoyment, and engage communities through authentic programming, research, and dynamic displays. The Cranbrook History Centre brings the stories of the past to life.

Vision

To build community spirit and serve as a gateway to exploring the history, cultures and stories of the land and the people of Cranbrook, the East Kootenay, British Columbia and Canada.

Download Strategic Plan 2022-2026

Our Board

For individuals or groups who wish to attend a Board meeting as a delegation, please fill out the Delegation Application Form. 

Bob Whetham
Board Chair
Sioux Browning
Director
Mike Peabody
City Liaison
Keith Powell
Vice-Chair
Jason Jacob
Director
Jeanette Sissons
Treasurer
David Morley
Director
Jan Grady
Secretary
Steve Weatherall
Director

Our Team

We would like to acknowledge the support of the City of Cranbrook, the Province of BC, and our many contributors and donors to operational costs for supporting our ongoing staff and contractors.

Honor Neve
Curator
Co-Manager
Jared Teneese
Operation Manager
Co-Manager
Katherine Warman
Programming Coordinator
Travis Illerbrun
Museum Assistant
Gordon Sheridan
Cori Trinder
Visitor Services

Students

We would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Museums Association, and the Columbia Basin Trust for supporting our student work experience programs.

Falyne Hauprich
Historical Interpreter

Sharron Szogi
Historical Interpreter
Isaac Organ
Education Assistant

Our Story

Since 1977 when the first car arrived in Cranbrook, the museum has steadily grown. In the early days of collection, development operations were ‘conducted’ out of the nearby Elko Station; however, as the collection grew larger, a permanent home was required. By 2004 the current facility was complete and the entirety of the collection was moved to this location.

Without the dedication of Garry Anderson, OC, this collection would not exist. For over 30 years Garry scoured the continent to expand the collection and carefully restored these artifacts to their former beauty. With the support of the City of Cranbrook, the BC Arts Council, the Columbia Basin Trust, and many other organizations and individuals who recognized the importance of this preservation work, Garry created a unique legacy to capture this essential part of Canadian history.