Cranbrook History Centre

Summer Camps
2024-07-08 08:30 - 2024-08-30 16:00 (America/Edmonton)
Keep your child’s imagination alive this summer by registering them to be a conductor, paleontologist and explorer! Our summer camps provide hands-on learning opportunities with our collections and indoor and outdoor activities.
Full Week Camp $225/child + GST
Single Day $50/day + GST (must be paid in person | limited number available per camp)
A registration form will be emailed before camp to collect essential info, such as emergency contacts, authorized pick-ups, allergies, and any required accommodations.
Camps are designed for children ages 5-10 and run Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
What to pack:

appropriate indoor and outdoor clothing (comfortable play clothing that can get a little dirty)
running shoes (no open-toed shoes please)
sunscreen and a hat (preferably wide-brimmed)
a clearly labelled water bottle
a healthy lunch and snacks for throughout the day

*PLEASE NOTE: Please leave electronic devices at home, but books or activities are welcome for quiet time.
For more information call us at (250) 489-3918 or e-mail programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com.
REGISTER by clicking on the links below:
July 8-12: Paleontologists! SOLD OUT!
July 22-26: Conductors!
August 6-9: Explorers! SOLD OUT!
August 12-16: Paleontologists!
August 26-30: Conductors! SOLD OUT!

Ed Talk: Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo with Sally Thompson
2024-07-19 19:00 - 20:30
Join us at the Cranbrook History Centre on Friday, July 19th from 7:00-8:30pm for a reading from Sally Thompson’s new book, Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Tea, coffee and water will be provided. Books will be available for purchase.
REGISTER HERE.

HELENA, MONTANA – May 21, 2024 – Renowned anthropologist and storyteller Sally Thompson draws on her extensive experience and delves deep into the fabric of Montana’s past with her latest book, Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo: 23 Unexpected Stories that Awaken Montana’s Past.
In this compelling collection of twenty-three true stories, Thompson unearths hidden treasures, shedding light on the diverse peoples who have shaped Montana’s landscape over thousands of years. Three of these stories took place in or near the southeast, B.C.
Thompson’s unique perspective and meticulous research reveal the complexities of Montana’s history, from encounters between Native American tribes and European explorers to the cultural exchanges that have shaped the region’s identity. Through vivid storytelling, she bridges the gap between past and present, inviting readers to explore the hidden depths of Montana’s collective heritage.
Sally Thompson, an anthropologist and cultural heritage consultant based in Missoula, Montana, has spent decades exploring the state’s cultural history. Her narrative nonfiction writings, such as People Before the Park, illuminate overlooked perspectives, collaborating closely with indigenous communities. Thompson’s passion for Montana’s cultural history offers readers a fresh perspective on the history of the Treasure State.

Mario Kart Tournament
2024-08-24 19:00 - 22:00
Start your engines and Register today! On August 24th, we will host a Mario Kart tournament at the Royal Alexandra Hall. Limited spots are available. Sign up now!

Register Here:
https://www.cranbrookhistorycentre.com/product/mario-kart/

Ed Talk: Puppets, Performance, and the Pursuit of Art in Community
2024-08-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
Join us in the Royal Alexandra Hall on Wednesday, August 28th at 7:00pm to be educated, entertained and inspired by artist Marcel Dou Roig, the man behind the “iconic elephant mascot Ed” showcased during Ed Fest 2023!
Marcel will be sharing his process and passion for art through a presentation and improv performance, including dancing, painting, and playing piano!
FREE REGISTRATION

Artist’s BIO
Marcel Dou Roig has been a performer for 25 years. His initial interest and pursuit of the arts began in his native hometown Sant Celoni, a small town near Barcelona Spain. He was introduced to the stage theatre in his teens, where he performed in several productions in the community theatre until he decided to move to Barcelona and become a professional actor. During his time in Barcelona, he studied theatre, dance, and voice technique while performing in professionally. He was professionally showing in theatre, cinema, television, and a variety of different street performances, from tap dancing, to street puppets. With the company Sarruga, he travelled Europe and South America building and performing with street puppets. These giant/oversized animals and insects were showcased in the streets of cities and towns for festivals and festivities. During this time Marcel was able to learn the mechanics and staging of these fantastic shows during his time with them.
Marcel spent several years performing as a professional with different companies. He also created his own shows and performances while in Barcelona. But, he eventually moved to New York City to further his learning. He studied dance and theatre in all capacities, he also created his own dance company and performed some of his creations in NYC. Marcel has always valued learning about all different types of arts and dedicated himself to performing with different companies. One of which was focused on dancing with horses. It was a site specific company that made dance compositions with horses utilizing horsemanship techniques. It was a unique show and experience because it travelled to different locations using different horses each time. To further develop his horsemanship, Marcel moved to Florida, were he studied under very prestigious horse trainers in the show Arabian Nights in Orlando as a performer and horseback rider.
While in Florida Marcel met his partner and they both moved to Canada. Marcel took some time off from performing while starting a family. Now Marcel and his family call Cranbrook home as of October 2022. He is now ready to continue and build upon his passion in the arts. He has recently performed in the latest Key City Theatre production “Cabaret,” and is thrilled to share his passion for the arts with this wonderful community.

Farm Feast Social & Ed Talk
2024-09-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
On Wednesday, September 11th, The Cranbrook History Centre will be hosting the 2nd annual local food celebration in partnership with Live for Local and other local farms and businesses.
Let’s celebrate and support local agriculture with live music (by Heather Gemmell from 5:30-6pm), beer samples (provided by Encore), local bites made from local ingredients, in addition to presentations and a mini-documentary. Let’s learn and grow together!

Registration is free: Save your spot now!

Back To The 90's Dance Party
2024-09-21 20:00 - 23:30
Get Ready to Groove!We’re taking it back to the 90’s on September 21st! Join us for an epic night of neon, nostalgia, and non-stop dancing as we team up with JUST MUSIC to bring you the ultimate 90’s dance party!Mark your calendars and get ready to bust out your best moves from 8 pm onwards. It’s going to be a night filled with classic hits, throwback vibes, and memories that’ll make you say “As if!”Don’t miss out—let’s get jiggy with it and party like it’s 1999!

Tickets HERE: 90s Dance Party – Cranbrook History Centre

3rd Annual FRIGHT TRAIN!
2024-10-22 17:30 - 2024-10-24 21:00
This month we have our third annual haunted train walk-through!

Join us as we take you through the Trans Canada Limited at night as you hear spooky stories from our ghoulish conductors, they will tell you the tales of classic movie monsters. Seven cars, seven stories, some new and some returning for those that missed prior years, each one involving film and myth onboard the train.

We encourage you to dress up and dress ready for the weather.

October 22nd, to 24th, 5:30 – 9:00 PM

Tickets $8.50 per person

After the Fright Train, join us in the “Haunted Hall” for crafts, games, and treats (by donation).

****IF IT ERRORS ON PURCHASE DO NOT MAKE ANOTHER PAYMENT CONTACT US @info@cranbrookhistroycentre.com TO VERIFY PAYMENT!****

Tuesday 22 :

5:30 – 6:00 – Toddler Time – SOLD OUT
6:00 – 6:45 – Younger Kids – Tickets Here
7:00 – 7:45 – Scary Time – Tickets Here
8:00 – 8:45 – Scary Time – Tickets Here
9:00 – Scary Time – SOLD OUT

Wednesday 23 :

5:30 – 6:00 – Toddler Time – SOLD OUT
6:00 – 6:45 – Younger Kids – SOLD OUT
7:00 – 7:45 – Scary Time – SOLD OUT
8:00 – 8:45 – Scary Time – Tickets Here
9:00 – Scary Time – Tickets Here

Thursday 24 :

5:30 – 6:00 – Toddler Time – SOLD OUT
6:00 – 6:45 – Younger Kids – Tickets Here
7:00 – 7:45 – Scary Time – SOLD OUT – 4 Walk ins Available
8:00 – 8:45 – Scary Time – SOLD OUT – 6 Walk ins Available
9:00 – Scary Time – SOLD OUT

****IF IT ERRORS ON PURCHASE DO NOT MAKE ANOTHER PAYMENT CONTACT US @info@cranbrookhistroycentre.com TO VERIFY PAYMENT!****

Downtown Trick or Treating
2024-10-26 11:00 - 14:00
The Downtown Business Association presents the annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat downtown! Peruse the downtown core with the family in your best costume to grab treats & swag from the businesses you know and love. Trick-or-treating goes from 11am-2pm at participating businesses.

Toddler Tuesday: Storytime & Spooky Trains!
2024-10-29 10:30 - 11:30
Storytime with Spooky Trains (with the Cranbrook Public Library)
10:30-11:30am
October 29, 2024
Register here.
If spots fill up, you can email programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com to be notified of any cancellations.

Abreast of the Rockies Christmas Bazaar
2024-11-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Cranbrook History Centre, 57 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H9, Canada
Admission: $2.00
Christmas Craft Bazaar with a diverse group of vendors!
Great opportunity to find unique & beautiful items.

Fall Day Camps
2024-11-22 08:30 - 16:00
Natural History Day Camps
Ages 5-10
8:30am – 4:00pm
$45/day + GST
Day camps consist of natural history-themed experiments, crafts, games, indoor and outdoor exploration (and sometimes a movie and popcorn in a historic train car)!
Register for the following day camps by clicking on the linked dates below:
September 20: All about Earth!
October 25: Stones & Bones – SOLD OUT!
November 1: Minerals & Crystals
November 22: Changing Colours – SOLD OUT!
(A registration form will be emailed before camp to collect essential info, such as emergency contacts, authorized pick-ups, allergies and necessary accommodations.)

Gerdan Theatre: Never Mind the Night
2024-11-27 19:00 - 21:00
? Date: November 27th
⏰ Doors open: 6:15 PM
? Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Cranbrook History Centre is proud to host Gerdan Theatre’s Never Mind the Night Tour.
Gerdan is an amazing sixteen member folk singing group from Chernivtsi, Ukraine and their arrangements of traditional folk songs are reinvigorating authentic Ukrainian music and astounding audiences everywhere!
There is a primal vibration in the ancient songs from villages across Ukraine. As they wash over you… you can feel the connection with your ancestors and others from times gone by.
On this Canadian tour, Gerdan will thrill and astound you with their energy and soulfulness as well as their passion for a culture that has for too long been under threat.
In addition, this tour is happening to support families in Ukraine affected by the war that will need support and rehabilitation in the months and years to come.
You will feel uplifted and enchanted by the power and connection that is generated between the singers and the audience and show your support for Ukraine!
Don’t miss your chance to see Gerdan!
Get Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gerdan-theatre-cranbrook-nov-27-never-mind-the-night-tour-tickets-1046748150897?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Nightmare Before Christmas: An Alternative Holiday Market
2024-12-13 16:00 - 21:00
We are hosting the Nightmare Before Xmas, an alternative Holiday Market on December’s Friday the 13th from 4pm to 9pm in The Royal Alexandra Hall here at The Cranbrook History Museum.

For more information, you can visit the organizer’s (Spiral Path) Facebook Event page.

Winter Day Camp - Jan. 2&3
2025-01-02 08:30 - 2025-01-03 16:00 | Cranbrook History Centre, 57 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H9, Canada
A day of play! Send your child (ages 5-10) in their PJS to enjoy hot chocolate, a movie in the train with popcorn, crafts and games!
* Participants are welcome to bring their new books, stuffies, games, or puzzles.
Register for January 2
Register for January 3
Once we have received payment, we will send you a registration form to complete prior to camp.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com.

Travelling Exhibit: Health in Space, Daring to Explore
2025-01-28 10:00 - 2025-04-19 16:00 | Cranbrook History Centre, 57 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H9, Canada
The Cranbrook History Centre is excited to present our Annual Traveling Exhibit for 2025, a highly anticipated event that will run from January 28 to April 19, 2025. This year’s exhibit promises to offer a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages, exploring the health challenges faced by astronauts!
Health in Space: Daring to Explore, a special exhibition developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, one of three museums under Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.

The exhibit demystifies the health challenges — such as variable gravity, radiation, and isolation — that astronauts face while living and working in space. Through authentic artifacts and captivating interactive activities, this exhibition will engage visitors to better understand Canada’s role in advancing health research.
Price included in regular admission to the museum.

Explore More!
Health in Space Field Trips: A guided tour for school groups starting February 1, 2025
Out of this World Birthday Party: Available Saturdays starting February 1, 2025
Natural History Day Camps: Earth From Space, February 14, 2025
Natural History Day Camps: Star Gazing, February 28, 2025
Natural History Day Camps: All about Astronauts, March 7, 2025
Junior Astronauts Spring Break Camps: March 17-21 & March 24-28, 2025

The Cranbrook History Centre gratefully acknowledges Cranbrook Tourism, College of the Rockies, Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment, Sandor Rental Equipment Ltd., Deans Plumbing & Heating Ltd., and the Tamarack Centre for their generous support of the Health in Space exhibit.

Toddler Tuesday: CANCELLED!
2025-01-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Paleontology Lab
There will not be a Toddler Tuesday on Jan.28. We hope to see you in February!

Town Hall - Museum Interpretive Concept
2025-02-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Event, Zoom Meeting Platform, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H9, Canada
The Cranbrook History Centre invites you to share your stories, thoughts and feedback on our new Draft Museum Interpretive Concept. This will be an interactive meeting hosted by Melanie Greenaway of Double Dare Designs and Don Enrich from Don Enrich Consulting. This is your opportunity to explore the zones and narratives throughout the document with Melanie and Don, asking questions and providing your thoughts. Throughout the meeting we will be using a polling software called Menti. We recommend for participants to have a smartphone, a tablet, or a browser window open to interact with the polls. More instructions will be provided at the meeting.
In 2024, the Cranbrook History Centre engaged Double Dare Design to re-envision our visitor experience, with a particular focus on developing a permanent exhibition in a currently unoccupied space in the building and a self-guided tour of the railcar collection. Double Dare has also conducted a high-level assessment of the other public-facing spaces that form part of the visitor experience. Based on this analysis, the document outlines recommendations for visitor experience upgrades throughout the venue. Like all museums, regular updates to infrastructure, exhibitions, and programs are necessary to engage the public and remain relevant to the Museum’s audiences.
Explore the document: Here
If you’re unable to attend the online meeting, the website invites you to provide your thoughts throughout by use the comment section on the bottom of each page.

Register for the meeting: Here

3rd Annual Family Day meet your museum open house!
2025-02-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Cranbrook History Centre, 57 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H9, Canada
Want to know more about your local museum and what kind of things there are to do?
Come visit us on Family Day for our 3rd Annual Meet your Museum Open house!
We will have free admission all day long and behind the scenes tours of facility including the archives, mini train tours and the model rail workshop.
We hope to see you there!

Activities
Royal Alexandra Hall Open House – Take the oppurtunity to meet the staff and volunteers of the Cranbrook History Centre.
Free Admission – All day free admission to the museum to see our Gallery and our Health in Space Travelling Exhibit.
Mini Train tours – Join our Interperters on 20 Minute tour of the Trans Canada Limited.
Archives Tour – Explore the Museum Archives guided by our Curator.
Model Train Workshop Tour – See the workshop our volunteers use to create the model railway downstairs.
Restoration Tour – Join one of our volunteers as they show you the work they do to restore Trains from 0ver a hundred years ago.

Toddler Tuesday: Stories on a Train
2025-02-25 10:30 - 11:30
As a way of connecting our community with our collections, the museum is partnering with the Cranbrook Public Library on this monthly program. The hour-long program offers a free story time led by the library, and a fun and family-friendly craft activity to complete afterwards. Entry to the program is free, but due to space restrictions, registration is mandatory. Register early as the event fills up quickly!
REGISTER HERE.
If spots fill up, you can email programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com to be notified of any cancellations.

Ed Talk - Cosmic Odyssey: From Stardust to Life
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:00
Wednesday, February 26 (7:00-8:30pm)
Join us in the beautiful Royal Alexandra Hall with our Health in Space travelling exhibit where Jamie Levine and Janice Strong will be presenting on everything from Comets to the Kootenay skies.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Tea and coffee will be served. Registration is free.
Register here.

Toddler Tuesday: All About Astronauts!
2025-03-11 10:30 - 11:30
Join us in the Royal Alexander Hall with our Health in Space Travelling Exhibit to learn all about astronauts through stories and crafts!
REGISTER HERE.
If spots fill up, you can email programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com to be notified of any cancellations.

Spring Break Camps: Junior Astronauts
2025-03-17 08:30 - 2025-03-28 16:00
Come learn how to be a Junior Astronaut during Spring Break!
The camp will include access to our Health in Space travelling exhibit, as well as space-themed experiments, crafts, games, stories, videos and more.
Ages 5-10
8:30am-4:00pm
Week $240+gst
Single Day $52+gst
*limited day spots available

REGISTER by clicking on the links below:
Week 1: March 17-21: Full Week (SOLD OUT) or Single Day(s) – call or email programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com to find out, which day spots are still available!
Week 2: March 24-28: SOLD OUT!
*A registration email will be sent after payment is received and prior to the camp start date.

Ed Talk: Surviving Space with Rick Nowell
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
Join us March 26th for an exciting presentation with Rick Nowell while our Health in Space Travelling Exhibit is still here!
Rick, who works in the Physics lab at the College of the Rockies, also operates the college Weather Station, Meteor Camera, and assists with Astronomy and Geology labs. He’ll share his knowledge, stunning telescope photos, and lead interactive demonstrations that reveal the unique dangers astronauts face in space.
See science in action! Watch water boil at room temperature in a vacuum, hear a bell go silent in space-like conditions, and experience hands-on stations featuring a Geiger counter, nebula balls, a high-voltage Jacob’s Ladder, and more!
Tea and coffee will be servedRegistration is FREE, but please sign up!
Register Here
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind space experience!

Club Fair 2025
2025-04-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
Looking to meet new people, explore fun activities, or get involved in the community? The Club Fair is the place to be.
Connect with a variety of local organizations, learn about their missions, and find new hobbies or volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re a new resident or just looking to try something different, there’s something for everyone.
Meet local groups and clubs, explore exciting new activities, and find your community connections. Some of the organizations and groups participating are:
Cranbrook Dragonboat Team
Cranbrook Model Railway
Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue
Rocky Mountain Naturalists
Cranbrook Foodbank Society
Rockies Rowing Club
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24
Abreast in the Rockies
Rotary Club of Cranbrook Sunrise
Kootenay Pipe Band

Don’t miss this chance to make new friends and discover amazing local opportunities. See you at the Club Fair on April 9th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Interested in showcasing your club or organization? Contact Travis at info@cranbrookhistorycentre.com if you have any questions.

Easter at the Museum
2025-04-19 10:00 - 16:00
Easter at the Museum
Hop into spring with us at the Cranbrook History Centre for a day of egg-cellent family fun on Friday, April 19. This isn’t your average egg hunt—get ready to explore the museum in a fun new way.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Museum (Spot the Eggs)
Larger, handcrafted eggs will be hidden throughout the exhibits, each one inspired by local history, science, and some of the museum’s most fascinating stories. Some eggs will be easy to spot, while others might take a little detective work. Locate them all and claim a sweet candy prize!
There will also be a craft table set up with egg-citing seasonal activities for kids to enjoy and take home.
Easter at the Museum is included with regular admission:
Adult – $10.0018 & Under – $8.005 & Under – Free
No registration needed. Activities run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.Come for the fun, stay for the history—and don’t forget to bring your best egg-hunting instincts. We can’t wait to see you there!

Ed Talk: Plants Unveiled
2025-04-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
Wednesday, April 23 (7:00-8:30 pm)
Join us in the beautiful Royal Alexandra Hall for an evening with Jamie Levine and Janice Strong as they reveal the secrets of plants in our next Ed Talk, Plants Unveiled: Secrets of a Hidden World.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and tea and coffee will be served.
Registration is FREE!
Register here.

Cranbrook's Ultimate Collectables Market
2025-04-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
It is back! Cranbrook’s Ultimate Collectables Market! Now bigger and twice a year! The Forest Rascal is very excited to bring back this amazing collectables event in our new home, The Cranbrook History Centre. This show will be bringing back some of your favorite vendors as well as some new ones. With more tables and way more variety of collectables this show will be one not to miss. Save the date and get started on your lists of collectables you need and can’t live without.

Toddler Tuesday: Dinos & Discoveries
2025-04-29 10:30 - 11:30
Join us on April 29th from 10:30–11:30 AM for a dino-mite edition of Toddler Tuesday at the Cranbrook History Centre!
This session invites little ones to explore the world of dinosaurs with fun stories in our Paleo Room and dino-themed crafts designed to spark creativity and curiosity.
Toddler Tuesday is designed for ages 0–5, offering a fun, welcoming environment where children can learn through play.
This program is FREE, but we kindly ask that you register in advance.
REGISTER HERE
If spots fill up, please email programs@cranbrookhistorycentre.com to be notified of any cancellations.

Heritage Fair Open House & Award Ceremony
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Royal Alexandra Hall, 57 Van Horne Street S, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 7A8, Canada
Celebrate History at the East Kootenay Heritage Fair!
Join us on May 10 for a public showcase of student projects from across School District 5. These thoughtful, creative presentations explore the people, places, and events that have shaped our region and country.
Event Schedule – Open to the Public:10:00 AM – Open House: Browse student exhibits and engage with young historians11:00 AM – Award Ceremony: Celebrate outstanding student achievements
Come support youth learning, discover compelling stories from Canadian history, and take part in a community celebration of heritage and education.
Please note:May 9 is reserved for select students and judges only. Thank you for your understanding.
To learn more about the Heritage Fair process and how these projects come together, visit the Heritage Fair page.

Mother’s Day Tea & Fundraiser – Event Cancelled
2025-05-11 13:00 - 17:00 | Cranbrook History Centre, 57 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H9, Canada
We regret to share that our 5th Annual Mother’s Day Tea & Fundraiser has been cancelled.
Due to essential work on the Argyle Dining Train Car—including the installation of a new HVAC unit—the space will not be ready in time to safely and comfortably host the event. While this upgrade will significantly improve the experience in the future, it has temporarily limited access to the venue.
All ticket purchases will be fully refunded, and we sincerely thank everyone who purchased tickets. Your support is deeply appreciated and makes a real difference.
We are planning to host a new high tea event later this year, and we look forward to welcoming you then. Please stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Please contact us at info@cranbrookhistorycentre.com if you have any questions or concerns.
