Learn about the history of Edson and area while playing our virtual games! Games Coal Branch Word Search Let's Play Jeopardy(ish) Jigsaw Puzzles Memory Match

The Galloway Station Museum's collection contains over 6000 artifacts related to the history of Edson. Looking to donate? Learn more here! Our Collection The Edson & District Historical Society (EDHS) is committed to preserving and displaying its collection in an innovative, engaging and comprehensive manner while relaying the compelling history of Edson and area to local residents and visitors. The Edson & District Historical Society's collection contains more than 6,000 artifacts that play an important role in the history of Edson and area. This includes items from individuals, families, businesses and organizations within the geographical limits of: east to Wildwood; west to Medicine Lodge; north to Shining Bank; and south to Mountain Park. We acquire and possess objects that tell a big story or shine a light on all aspects of life in Edson and area. The Galloway Station Museum receives, through donations or bequests, objects that reflect our heritage and environment. Objects in the collection range from a 1907 Caboose, a chicken guillotine, a teddy bear and many more in between! Videos Donate Are you interested in donating? Follow these steps! 1. Ensure that the artifact you wish to donate is in good condition and is pertinent to the Edson/Yellowhead County area. We must be selective about adding to the collection, as space is limited. 2. Phone, email or stop by the museum to fill out a donation form! Please include as much information as you can on the object. The more information we have, the more of a tale we can tell. 3. The Museum’s collections committee meets quarterly. Depending on when your information is received, it may take several months to reach a decision on your potential donation.

The Galloway Station Museum is located in RCMP Centennial Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of Edson. Learn more about the park and its monuments here! RCMP Centennial Park Galloway Station Museum & Travel Centre is located in RCMP Centennial Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of Edson, between the East and West bound Yellowhead Highway. The park also features a large pavilion, caboose, a Lockheed T-33 Silver Star plane, and Town of Edson Mascot, Eddie the Squirrel. Throughout the summer months, travelers and locals alike can enjoy public events including Art in the Park, Aboriginal Day, the Edson Custom Cruisers' annual Show and Shine, and much more. The park was developed in 1974 by citizens of Edson to honour the 100th anniversary of RCMP presence in Alberta. The park is maintained by the Town of Edson. Learn more about the park monuments Pavilion Rental Agreement

From archives to newspapers dating back to the birth of Edson, the Galloway Station Museum is home to research facilities that are available to the public! Looking for information about past Edson and area events? Researching your family history? From archives to newspapers dating back to the birth of Edson, the Galloway Station Museum is home to research facilities that are available to the public! The Galloway Station Museum offers several research resources: Reading room Comprehensive local history library Access to genealogy and family history resources Microfiche - newspapers from 1911 Archival scanners Light box Research reports Access to Edson & Area archives and digital resources Please use the form below to pre-book access to our research facilities, and include a brief summary of your research project. Research Room Book the Research Room Date picker Time Time : Hours Minutes AM First name* Last name Email* Phone Write a message Submit

Request for Proposal Sealed RFPs for: Galloway Station Museum Cleaning Contract The Edson and District Historical Society invites proposals for facility cleaning services. The contract will be limited to the actual supplies delivered or the services performed. The successful bidder of this proposal will be the primary supplier of the service being proposed for the 2024 to 2027 calendar years. Download the RFP he re: Submissions may be made in person, or by mail at the following address: Galloway Station Museum 223 - 55th Street Edson, AB T7E 1L5 email submissions: manager@gallowaystationmuseum.com Time/date for RFP Closing is 2:00 pm, local time Friday February 9th, 2024 and all proposals must be clearly marked. All inquires regarding this RFP shall be addressed to: Shari McDowell, Galloway Station Museum 223 - 55th Street Edson, AB T7E 1L5 780-723-5696 Sealed proposals will be opened in the presence of the Galloway Station Museum Manager and at least one member of the Edson and District Historical Society Board Executive. Janitorial RFP 2024

Bunkered in Edson!

Summer Employment Opportunity The Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives is hiring! This is a great opportunity for post-secondary students who enjoy working with the public, learning about local history, and being part of a busy visitor season. Position Details Dates: May 11 – August 28 Hours: 35 hours/week Wage: $19/hour What You’ll Do Give inspiring museum tours to youth and adults Work with travellers and residents to provide a great customer service experience Set up for rentals and exciting local events Research and report on our area’s rich history Help staff keep the facility tidy and adhere to health guidelines Assist in other departments as needed Qualifications Knowledge of Edson & area, or a keen willingness to learn Exceptional customer service skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds Must be willing to work weekends Must be enrolled in full-time studies and be returning to post-secondary education in the fall How to Apply Please email resumes to: manager@gallowaystationmuseum.com or drop off at the Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives: 223-55th Street, Edson AB T7E 1L5 | 780-723-5696 We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Edson & District Historical Society is an equal opportunity workplace.

Search for the names of the towns and areas of the Alberta Coal Branch in this history-inspired word search! Back to Games

Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre is located in the heart of Edson, Alberta. Set in the beautiful RCMP Centennial Park, the Galloway Station Museum & Travel Centre is a jewel on the necklace of the Yellowhead Trail. Galloway Station Museum Learn more Edson & District Historical Society Learn more RCMP Centennial Park Learn more Galloway Newsletter Learn more

Galloway Station Museum What is the Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives? The Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives is a historical museum, archives, travel centre, gift shop, and rental space located in the heart of Edson, Alberta. We welcome locals and visitors from all over the world to celebrate our history and embrace the mud and muskeg that was our home, and offer a glimpse of the hardships of early settlers who had to battle extreme elements often on a daily basis. We tell stories of those who shaped this raw, rough land into thriving, modern communities. The Galloway Station Museum will take you back to the early days of the Coal Branch, chronicling the lives of miners from all around the world who risked life and limb to provide for their families. We help people link past to the present - touting not only geographical attractions of the area, but also historical high points that enrich the experiences, and the lives of locals and travelers. Who Are We? The Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives is proudly governed by the Edson & District Historical Society (EDHS). This dedicated group consists of nine members, including representatives from both the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County. The goal of the EDHS is t o incite curiosity of local history, foster partnerships, and create an educational welcoming hub for the public while celebrating and promoting the greater community. This includes preserving and protecting local artifacts and the history of Edson and area. This is done by overseeing operations of the Galloway Station Museum and Travel Center, as well as the area archives. They are also in trusted in developing, preserving and exhibiting a well-maintained collection in trust for the community, as well as taking a leadership role in research and education on the history of Edson and area. None of this could be done without the amazing team of staff and volunteers at the Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre. Three dedicated full time staff, with the help of hardworking summer students and our incredible volunteers, give life to the Galloway Station Museum & Travel Centre. History of the Galloway Describe your image Describe your image 1/5 To tell the history of the Galloway Station, it is necessary to start with the history of Canadian railways. It's the early 20th century and railway fever is in the air. The Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR) and the Grand Trunk Pacific (GTP) are in fierce competition to make it to the west coast. In some places, the companies’ tracks ran within 50 feet of each other, and it was doubtful if both lines could survive. Due to incredible costs, mismanagement, unwillingness to compromise, the need for steel in Europe during World War I and the removal of rail track on sections of both GTP and CNoR lines, both companies were doomed to fail. Then CNoR was the first company to go bankrupt and the Canadian government jumped in and snatched up the railway. Within a couple of years, the GTP followed suit. The government then nationalized and combined the railway companies to become Canadian National. The original section of the Galloway Station Museum is a Canadian Northern Railway Type 100-47, Standard Combination Station and Section House that started its life as the Dandurand Station, which was abandoned in 1917. In 1923, it was relocated to mile 15.3, close to Marlboro, on the GTP Brule subdivision as housing for the pump man. In the 1940s, when diesel locomotives replaced steam, the station was moved to Galloway. The station was purchased for $1 by the EDHS and moved to RCMP Centennial Park in Edson 1975 where it began its incarnation as a museum. The Galloway Station Museum officially opened to the public in 1981 and has continued operation under the volunteer EDHS board management. In September 2011, the Galloway Museum was renovated and additions were made to expand the facility to more than twice its original size. It is also home to a rental space and Travel Centre. Why Galloway? The Galloway Station was named after a Grand Trunk Pacific employee, David Ernest Galloway, a one-time assistant to the president of the Grand Trunk Pacific and later assistant vice-president of Canadian National Railways. Videos Produced by Christopher White from Promethean Heritage & Culture Services. Thank you very much to our actors: Trapper – Dave Ward, Young museum visitors – Keira Gomuwka and Nathan Aslin 1989 Town of Edson promotional video

FAQ's Edson & District Historical Society What is the Edson & District Historical Society? The Edson and District Historical Society (EDHS) is a registered charity run by a board comprised of volunteers and an appointed member from both the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County. The goal of the Board is to incite curiosity of local history, foster partnerships, create an educational and welcoming hub for the public and celebrate and promote the greater community. The Edson & District Historical Society’s Mission Statement: To promote Edson and area and the understanding of regional history by: Operating the Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre Operating the Edson and Area Archives Developing, preserving and exhibiting a well maintained collection in trust for the community Taking a leadership role in research and education Engaging and providing access for all audiences The Edson and District Historical Society’s Values: 1. Preservation & Exhibition The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to preserving and displaying its collection in an innovative, engaging and comprehensive manner while relaying the compelling history of Edson and area to local residents and visitors. 2. Sustainability and Advancement The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to financial responsibility, continuous improvement of staff and board development while maintaining excellent customer service. 3. Public Engagement The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to respecting and responding to the needs of the community, connecting and creating excitement with all ages and remaining open-minded to new ideas. 4. Research and Development The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to ongoing, quality research of its collection and regional history, enabling the creation of a comprehensive story of the Edson and area and to sharing that knowledge through exhibits, publications and educational programming. 5. Promotion The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to the promotion of the Edson and surrounding area services, businesses and attractions through the Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre and is dedicated to ensuring that staff is knowledgeable in both the history and amenities of the area. 6. Rental facilities The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to providing individuals, community groups and businesses quality services and rental spaces to both create revenue and to promote the Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre. 7. Edson and Area Archives The Edson and District Historical Society is committed to acquiring, preserving and making accessible records which reflect the political, social, and economic life of Edson and the surrounding area. History of the EDHS The Edson & District Historical Society (EDHS) was founded in 1975 to preserve and protect the artifacts and history of Edson and area, and the Board continued planning, hosting events, fundraising and working to manage the Galloway Station Museum in trust for the Edson and area residents for the next 30 years. In September 2011, the EDHS watched its vision evolve when the Museum was to be expanded to more than twice its original size. The efforts of the Edson 100 Year Committee and its Legacy Fund combined with federal infrastructure and provincial grant money, generous donations from local businesses and individuals, and of course, the hard work of the original EDHS Board made this possible. 2025 Board Members President Douglas Woodhouse dougewoodhouse@gmail.com Secretary Fran Armstrong Treasurer Val Dearden Vice President Jeff Dowling Board Members Pat Fogarty (Town of Edson) Shallen Erickson (Yellowhead County) Sonja Boyce Fran Armstrong Colleen Wanchulak Clayton Dearden Colin Truman Renay Woelfing Want to become a member? Membership to belong to the Edson and District Historical Society is $10/year and can be purchased at the Galloway Station Museum & Travel Centre. There are at least two general membership meetings a year – the EDHS Board is elected from our general membership. New members are always welcome!

Past Exhibits Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/6 History Salt and Pepper: Shake it Up! (2024-2025) This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases over 230 salt and pepper shakers from around the world—including Japan, Austria, Germany, England and much more. It explores the history of salt and pepper shakers, their cultural significance as souvenirs, the story of salt in Alberta, and much more. Describe your image Describe your image 1/7 Travelling Exhibit Refuge Canada Tent (2024) This bilingual travelling exhibit by the Canadian Museum of Immigration offers insight into Canada’s role within the global refugee crisis. Through compelling displays and heart-wrenching personal accounts, it unveils the myriad of challenges confronted by refugees upon their arrival to Canada. The exhibit also celebrates the resilience and achievements of those who have found sanctuary within Canada’s borders. Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 History Robb: The Early Years (2023) This exhibit was created by the Yellowhead County Heritage Program to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the naming of Robb. Featuring historical photos, maps and stories of the hamlet from the 1910s and 20s, the exhibit explores the history of one of the last standing hamlets of the once-thriving Alberta Coal Branch. Describe your image Describe your image 1/6 Travelling Exhibit The Resilience Project (2022-2023) This multifaceted project was undertaken by the Edson & District Historical Society and CANOE to showcase the role of arts and culture in community recovery. The Project consists of a series of five murals on local businesses, a gallery exhibition, along with a documentary and book compiling accounts of local residents who all exemplify the theme of resilience. Learn more about this collaborative project here . Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 History National Survival Edson (2021-2022) The Cold War developed from mutual distrust and hostility between the Soviet Union and its former Western Allies following the Second World War. This 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! Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 History A Place to Call Home (2020) A Place to Call 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. Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/5 Culture Indigenous Peoples (2019) 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. Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 Travelling Exhibit Anne Frank: A History for Today (2019) 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. Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 Toys Toys N Us (2018) 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. Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 History Close Shave: Tools of the Trade (2018) 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. Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/4 History Caring for the Heart of the Yellowhead (2018) 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.