All Exhibits

Galloway Station

The beginnings of the Town of Edson are intertwined with the history of the railway in the region. The Galloway Station exhibit explores the area's rich railway history and is the origin of the museum's name.

Our Natural World

Discover the diverse wildlife of Alberta! The province boasts 587 species of wildlife, including 10 species of amphibians, 93 mammals, 411 birds, 8 reptiles and 65 fish.

Trapper's Cabin

Trapping is an industry that is firmly rooted in Alberta’s history. Indigenous populations used the fur and hides for thousands of years and Europeans trapping in Western Canada date back to the mid 1600s. The Trapper’s Cabin gives an in-depth, hands-on look at the challenging life of a trapper in Alberta.

Rosevear Ferry

The Rosevear Ferry was an integral part of the community and transportation system in the area.

This display to commemorate the history and importance of the Rosevear Ferry was built by volunteers Kevin Hollaway (operator from 1980 to 2015) and Steve Parker (operator/contractor from 2008 to 2015). 

Erith Tie Camp

There were many lumber camps in the Edson area in the early 1900s, supplying the railways with much needed ties. The Erith Tie Camp on the Erith and Embarrass Rivers is used to explore lives in the area's early lumber camps.

Alberta Coal Branch

An important part of Alberta's coal industry, the Alberta Coal Branch is a chain of almost abandoned mining towns along the eastern slopes of the central Canadian Rocky Mountains. It was once home to thousands of people, and remains a rich part of the region’s history.

Peerless Printing Press

The Peerless Printing Press was built in 1873 and came to Edson in 1928. Many early newspapers were printed on the Peerless, including the Edson-Jasper Signal. Thanks to dedicated volunteer Howard Bouldry, the press is a working artifact!

Main Street

Also known as 50th Street, downtown Edson was one of the first streets in the town and held some of its more prominent buildings. In this exhibit you can find the Canadian National Railway Station, Edson Hotel, Switzer’s Drugs, the Barbershop and the Idyl Hour Theatre.

Wop May 

Explore the story of how Wilfrid May and Detective James Campbell landed on Main Street Edson in 1919 as part of the first aerial police chase in Canadian history!

Temporary Display

National Survival Edson

Our newest exhibit explores the Cold War and the emergency measures taken by Alberta in the event of an unfriendly attack, complete with immaculate Civil Defence artifacts from Edson’s own mobile unit! 

Past Exhibits

A Place to Call Home

A Place Called Home explores the life, stories and hardships of some of Edson's earliest settlers. The exhibit also includes the tools that settlers used to shape this raw, rough land into a thriving and modern community.

Indigenous Peoples 

Indigenous Peoples have inhabited the land now known as Alberta for at least 11,000 years. This exhibit, in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrates the history, art and culture of Indigenous Peoples who call this area home.

Anne Frank: A History for Today 

This international exhibit, coordinated by the Anne Frank House, tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and the Second World War. It contains many photos of the Frank family as well as other photos and information about historical events. 

Close Shave:
Tools of the Trade 

Barbershops were once a place for men to gather and swap stories, play pool, gamble and smoke cigars. This exhibit explores some of Edson's first barbershops, the tools used, and the significance of barbershops in Edson. 

Toys N Us

This annual Christmas exhibit features primarily tin and robotic toys dating from the 1930s and on. It explores the cultural significance of the toys and how they can help to bridge our understanding of the past and the people who possessed them.

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Caring for the Heart of the Yellowhead

In Canada during the early 1900’s, nurses, doctors and hospitals were desperately needed in remote areas and in rapidly growing towns and cities. This exhibit explores the history of health care and health care facilities in Edson.