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

On Display History 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. Wildlife 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. History 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. History 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). History 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. History 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. Artifact 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! History 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. History 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 Through Their Eyes Our latest exhibit explores Edson’s early days through a rich collection of archival photographs. This exhibit brings to life the parades and picnics, businesses and ballgames — and even the long-forgotten story of Wolf Creek.

The Galloway Station Museum and Travel Centre is conveniently located in Edson, Alberta. This elegant, well-equipped facility is clearly visible and easily accessible from the Yellowhead highway both east and west bound, making it an ideal place to take a break, or pass the day. Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives About Us STAY IN THE LOOP WITH OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER The Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives welcomes locals and visitors from all over the world to celebrate the rich history of Edson and area. 'Through Their Eyes: Everyday Moments from Edson's Earliest Years' exhibit now on display! Step back in time and explore Edson’s early days through a rich collection of archival photographs from 1900-1920. These snapshots reveal not only how people lived, worked, and played, but also how a shared sense of community helped build the foundations of the Edson we know today. All Exhibits Explore Tours Visitor Guide Research Rentals Events Travel Blog Visit Us! Location Hours Admission Prices 223-55th Street Edson, AB T7E 1L5 780-723-5696 Summer Hours Monday-Friday: 9 am to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm Winter Hours Monday-Friday: 9 am to 5 pm Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm Sunday CLOSED Contact Us FAQ's Child: $3.00 Adult: $5.00 Seniors: $3.00 Family: $15.00 Amenities Parking Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms Wifi Gift Shop Changing stations Complimentary coffee Travel Information Picnic Tables See More Map

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

Room Rentals Describe your image Describe your image Describe your image 1/5 Thank you for your interest in renting the Multi-Use Room at the Galloway Station Museum, Travel Centre & Archives, located in beautiful RCMP Centennial Park. Our elegant, modern facility is ideal for meetings, workshops, private gatherings, and special events. Why choose the Galloway? Our rental space offers: Free WiFi Audio/visual equipment, including a 5000 Lumen Laser Projector Bluetooth-enabled Bose PA and wireless mic 16 rectangular tables (6 ft long x 2.5 ft wide) High/low rounds available upon request Complimentary coffee, tea and water Deck access On-site kitchen Dishes, cutlery and glassware for up to 100 guests Catering is welcome! You are free to arrange your own food service, and we're happy to provide a list of recommended local caterers upon request. Room Rental Options: Please note that rental rates do not include admission to the museum. Blueprint Multi Use Room Rental Form Renters Checklist Board Room Only (Portable Wall Closed) Comfortably seats 40 people $50/hour + GST (maximum $300/Day + GST) Coffee/Tea/Water Wireless Internet Connection Deck Access Audio/Visual System *Only available during Galloway business hours. Multi-Use Room (Full Room) Comfortably seats 90 people $60/Hour + GST (maximum $360/Day + GST) Maximum capacity 100 people Coffee/Tea/Water Wireless Internet Connection Kitchen Facilities Deck Access Dishes/Cutlery/Glassware for up to 100 people Audio/Visual equipment *An additional $50 deposit is required for early morning hours (prior to 9 am) The full Multi-Use room will only be available after regular business hours unless special arrangements are made. Wedding Package Say ‘I do’ to savings! Check out our Wedding Package – a perfect weekend deal for your big day.

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.

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 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

Back to Games

Un long métrage documentaire mettant en lumière les histoires de nos 15 sujets, leur résilience et leur force face à l'adversité. Play Video

On Exhibit Learn more Past Exhibits Learn more

A poignant written exploration of 15 individuals in the greater community who tell their stories with grace, humour and wit.