Exploring History Today

Wagon ride in the Oldman River Valley approaches the High Level Bridge.

Photo by Galt Museum & Archives.

"Everything old is new again." This proverb has been used by politicians, novelists and scholars over the centuries, signalling reflection and renewal, discovery and wonder. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity to engage with our history through museums, historical sites and attractions is upon us.

At Fort Whoop-Up, "business as usual" has taken on several new dimensions. Our diverse group of local attendants are prepared to offer unique perspectives and experiences to visitors of all ages. Their guided tours focus on the people of southern Alberta and the lives they led on the open prairies, the rolling foothills, and at the Fort during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Visitors this June will experience new perspectives on this troubling time in our socially distanced, masked and open-air tours throughout the Fort site.

Wagon rides throughout the river valley continue to be a favourite of Fort visitors. This year riders will follow along with a personal hand-held map of the route, which includes interesting facts about the region and QR codes to an audio guide narration of the valley accessible using smartphones.

New opportunities to explore and engage with this region's history will be introduced as we safely and responsibly reopen our site. Each day at Fort Whoop-Up will bring new adventures designed to capture the imagination and showcase southwestern Alberta's rich and diverse history.

You can book your guided tour of Fort Whoop-Up at fort.galtmuseum.com/visit. Tours are limited to ten participants and have been preapproved by AHS.