Media are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony and interview availability on Saturday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. with members of the exhibition development team including Donna Karl, Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Society President; Myla Demers, Curatorial Project Lead with the Galt Museum; and Tyler Stewart, Curator with the Galt Museum.

Galt School of Nursing Students, ca. 1949
Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, 19790284036

Lethbridge — The Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (eternal gathering place) is excited to announce the opening of a new permanent exhibit on the history of the Galt Hospital and Galt School of Nursing. Taking Care celebrates the importance of this building to the community and the people who have worked there throughout its history to provide medical care to those in need.

This exhibition—much like the work of the nurses themselves—has been a labour of love. Developed over the past year with members of the Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Society working alongside museum staff, this exhibition celebrates an important part of local history.

“It’s been our dream for many years to have an exhibit like this on display,” says Donna Karl, president of the Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Society. “We have so many artifacts and stories to share with the public and we’re glad it finally took place.”

Superintendent of Nursing Adelaide Durling in Classroom with students, ca. 1929.
Image courtesy of Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Association

When Lethbridge's growing population needed more medical facilities, the new Galt Hospital was built in 1910. This year also saw the first class of students enter the Galt School of Nursing. Hundreds of dedicated nurses studied and worked here during the school’s history.

“We are very proud to open this new exhibition and to celebrate these stories of the community,” says Tyler Stewart, curator for the Galt Museum. “It has been a pleasure to work with the dedicated alumnae from the Galt School of Nursing throughout this project.”

In operation at the Galt Hospital from 1910-1955, the Galt School of Nursing program had many strict rules. Work and study filled nearly all their time. Despite the tough conditions, student nurses always found time to have fun. Strong bonds were forged between student nurses, and many remain close friends today.

Dr. Frank Hamilton Mewburn, ca. 1910. Dr. Mewburn became the first superintendent, doctor, and surgeon of the Galt Hospital when it opened in 1892.
Image courtesy of Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, 19760229039

“This project has brought back so many wonderful memories of our nursing days,” Karl explains. “I think we’re the lucky ones that got to work on this exhibition.”

When the Galt Hospital closed in 1955, the school was relocated. It continued at the new Lethbridge Municipal Hospital until 1979. Smaller training programs such as this one were eventually absorbed into the work of Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge.

While the role of the nurses is at the core of this story, larger issues around medical care and local history also play into the exhibition’s narrative. Visitors will learn about the history of health care in Lethbridge and how miners greatly influenced the decision to construct the original Galt Hospital.

Much of the exhibition content was researched and developed by Myla Demers, Curatorial Project Lead for the exhibition, and a recent graduate of the University of Lethbridge. After completing a museum studies internship in spring 2023, Myla continued to support this project over the past year.

“This experience was very rewarding,” Demers explains. “It has been wonderful to work on this project with the alumnae society members to bring their stories to life and share this important piece of local history.”

This project was largely funded by individual donations from the Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Society members. Of the 1,400+ students who went through the program between 1913 and 1979, more than 500 are currently registered alumni members. This level of ongoing support is a testament to the impact of the school within the community.

“We couldn’t have done this project without the generous donations of our alumni members,” says Karl. “It makes me proud to serve on this committee.”

Galt Hospital and Nurses’ Residence, ca. 1894.
Image courtesy of Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa, 19770223000

Key details:

Ribbon cutting and short speeches at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 1
The event will be attended by many Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Society members who contributed stories, objects, and funding to help realize this exhibit.
Exhibit development team members will be on-site, including Myla Demers, Curatorial Project Lead, and Tyler Stewart, Curator for the Galt Museum.
The City of Lethbridge Mayor and Councilors have been invited to attend.

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This media release can be found at www.galtmuseum.com/news.

Media Contacts

Tyler J Stewart (he/him)
I’nákyaahkioohsínaa (Little Boat Man/Water Traveler)
Curator
Galt Museum & Archives
tyler.stewart@galtmuseum.com
403-320-3907

Peter Tah
Marketing and Communications Officer
peter.tah@galtmuseum.com
403-320-4009

Taking Care: History of the Galt Hospital and School of Nursing Commemorated in New Permanent Exhibition