The Galt School of Nursing was notable in its years, as it gave young women a place to live, work, and be educated. The admission requirements in 1910 were strict. Only single women between the ages of 20 and 35, with proper posture, and of average height and weight need apply. Once admitted, the regulations were no less rigorous. There were strictly enforced curfews, 12-hour workdays, and spotless residences were mandatory. Strict governance was applied to produce strong, observant and efficient, yet compassionate and down-to-earth nurses.

The training school was more than just a building to the students; it was a way of life that housed experiences at a formative stage in life. There are accounts of students sneaking into residence through the fire escape window. Curfews were also broken when the Galt Tendutts basketball team won the city championship. When rules were broken, students gained life lessons through more than strictly classroom instruction. In 1955 the Galt School of Nursing moved to a newly established Lethbridge Regional Hospital that continued to train nurses until 1979.

In order to preserve the important stories, life lessons, and experiences of these nurses, a community oral history project has been developed. The project is looking for Galt School of Nursing graduates who are willing to share their stories. This project is in collaboration with the Galt Museum, and the Center for Oral History and Tradition.

Oral History is a unique methodology for preserving history, as it allows for the personal first hand experiences of people to influence future generations, unlike traditional “fact and figure” data collection.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of this oral history project is encouraged to contact Shelby Forster at shelby.forster@uleth.ca.

A workshop is being held at the Galt Museum & Archives in partnership with Centre for Oral History Tradition on Friday October 21, 2016. Visit www.galtmuseum.com or call (403) 320-3954 for registration information.