Author: Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

Board

Hi! Pie & Coffee Thursdays

Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

This summer we thought we’d try something different at the museum to attract more local residents to the museum on a regular basis. One of our new board members came up with the idea to host a weekly social event at the Duvall House, include pie and coffee, and have an ongoing silent auction.

It has been a great success bringing about 30 people each week to enjoy the visiting and of course, the pie.

Organizer, Gale, has enlisted the help of many pie makers in the community. Our capable summer staff have helped with the setting up, serving and cleanup each week. Two of the young staff members even made pies without being asked!

The exhibits in the museum and the sales shop has had more traffic as well. As well as locals there have been outside visitors.

It goes to show how just one new person with new ideas to try can really make a difference. 

~ Lucille B.

Archives, Our Stories

Ancient Trail Mapped

Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

FROM EAGLE HILLS TO MANITOU LAKE

manitou lake battleford trail by lloyd how
By Lloyd How

Lloyd How’s interest in local history and archaeology is reflected in a new acquisition to our archives.

Ancient trails crisscrossed this country mapping the routes that were used by the First Nations, the European explorers, the North West Mounted Police and then the immigrants that followed. One such trail crossed the lands that Lloyd and his wife, Noreen, lived on before they retired to the town of Cut Knife. They both grew up seeing the evidence of the trail as indentations in the prairie soil and recognizing that it is disappearing.

This ancient trail was used by the local River Cree as they traveled from the area where the Battle and Saskatchewan Rivers joined at the Eagle Hills (Battleford) to Manitou Lake, Sounding Lake and further into Alberta. These lakes are considered sacred by the First Nations and were often visited via the trail.

Anthony Henday used this trail in 1745 as he made his way through what is now Western Canada.

Along the trail are many areas that were used for centuries for camping, hunting and trapping. Lloyd consulted local Cree elder, Wally Simaganis, written historical accounts, and locals who remembered seeing the trail. Then he spent countless hours exploring and mapping.

Thank you, Lloyd and Wally, for all of your work in the mapping of this ancient trail to keep alive stories of this corridor and the fading memories of those who walked or rode along it.

~ Lucille B.

Notes

Partnering with Community

Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

We never received a “how-to-guide” for collaborating with community members here at the MAH, but over time, we have acquired some basic tools that have shaped our approach. We realize collaboration differs greatly for each individual and organization. We offer these tools in the spirit of sharing and look forward to learning about the techniques you use in your own community.

Stacey Marie Garcia and Emily Hope Dobkin, Museum 2.0

Guest Post: Radical Collaboration – Tools for Partnering with Community Members

~ Lucille B.