(Originally published in TOURISM)
Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta opens March 24 and will share the story of Alberta through the lives of 48 mavericks- colorful characters whose tenacious spirits and enterprising mindsets shaped who we are today. These individuals represent Alberta men and women from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds - from prominent figures to ordinary people.
The Gallery, inspired by a book by Calgary-based author Aritha van Herk, brings these individual's stories to life through artifacts, art, photographs and multimedia. Visitors will trace the development of our history though 12 distinctive galleries:
Exploration and Fur
The fur traders were eager to exchange guns, blankets and kettles for the skins of beaver and buffalo with the First Peoples. Their quest for fur also opened the door to mapping and exploration.
Uninvited Guests
The West comes to be seen as wide open territory, ripe for exploitation. Meet the explorers, surveyors and missionaries who with their visions of new opportunities, made their discoveries in the West.
Mounties and Mustangs
The North-West Mounted Police were sent out from the east to monitor the unruly whiskey traders and shape a new dialogue with the Native Peoples. Discover the hardships of their trek west, what they faced upon their arrival and how they came to embody the ideal of law, order and good government.
Building the Railway
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald's vision of a united Canada required a transcontinental rail link. Marking a pivotal moment in the province's economic and cultural growth, the railway brings settlers, labourers and tourists and becomes both a mode of transportation and a political instrument.
Settlement and Scenery
Carrying both wealthy tourists who enjoyed luxury berths and silver service as well as penniless immigrants and frugal settlers eager to fulfill the West's promise of prosperity, the railway changed the settlement of the province.
Ranching
The disappearance of the buffalo suggests the prairie may be used as available pasture for cattle. Explore life on Alberta's range: the end of open range ranching, our harsh environment, the origins of the Calgary Stampede and the horse as a symbol of Alberta's spirit.
Grassroots Politics
Albertans have always and continue to fight for social and political reform. The United Farmers of Alberta, the Social Credit Party, the Reform Party and the Canadian Alliance Party were all born here. One thing is certain; politics in Alberta are always unpredictable.
Fighting Injustice
Fighting for Alberta's provincial independence, fighting for the right to control public lands and resources, fighting for the rights of women, Albertans are known to test the limits and demand changes.
Newcomers
Settlers from across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia came to Alberta seeking free land, religious and political freedom, and most of all, a fresh start. Meet the diverse peoples who brought new languages, cultures and skills to shape Alberta as she, in turn, shapes them.
War and the Homefront
The wars bring about different arrivals and departures interrupting Alberta's relative isolation. To this place so separate from the world's conflicts came POWs, internees and training sites. See how the province's character is shaped by bringing Alberta to the world and the world to Alberta.
Oil and Gas
Alberta's natural resources have built prosperity and success but oil is an enigmatic resource that both blesses and curses those who depend on it. Our rich energy has greatly affected the province's economy, politics, social structure and its future.
Post Haste
Alberta is now a complex, highly urban, yet still physically stunning province, and our maverick story continues in the present. We are a diverse and wildly unpredictable place with a population who lives, breathes and relishes change.
Find out more: www.glenbow.org/about/media/kits.cfm
Author:
Karin Põldaas
Glenbow Museum
Email: kpoldaas@glenbow.org
Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta opens March 24 and will share the story of Alberta through the lives of 48 mavericks- colorful characters whose tenacious spirits and enterprising mindsets shaped who we are today. These individuals represent Alberta men and women from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds - from prominent figures to ordinary people.
The Gallery, inspired by a book by Calgary-based author Aritha van Herk, brings these individual's stories to life through artifacts, art, photographs and multimedia. Visitors will trace the development of our history though 12 distinctive galleries:
Exploration and Fur
The fur traders were eager to exchange guns, blankets and kettles for the skins of beaver and buffalo with the First Peoples. Their quest for fur also opened the door to mapping and exploration.
Uninvited Guests
The West comes to be seen as wide open territory, ripe for exploitation. Meet the explorers, surveyors and missionaries who with their visions of new opportunities, made their discoveries in the West.
Mounties and Mustangs
The North-West Mounted Police were sent out from the east to monitor the unruly whiskey traders and shape a new dialogue with the Native Peoples. Discover the hardships of their trek west, what they faced upon their arrival and how they came to embody the ideal of law, order and good government.
Building the Railway
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald's vision of a united Canada required a transcontinental rail link. Marking a pivotal moment in the province's economic and cultural growth, the railway brings settlers, labourers and tourists and becomes both a mode of transportation and a political instrument.
Settlement and Scenery
Carrying both wealthy tourists who enjoyed luxury berths and silver service as well as penniless immigrants and frugal settlers eager to fulfill the West's promise of prosperity, the railway changed the settlement of the province.
Ranching
The disappearance of the buffalo suggests the prairie may be used as available pasture for cattle. Explore life on Alberta's range: the end of open range ranching, our harsh environment, the origins of the Calgary Stampede and the horse as a symbol of Alberta's spirit.
Grassroots Politics
Albertans have always and continue to fight for social and political reform. The United Farmers of Alberta, the Social Credit Party, the Reform Party and the Canadian Alliance Party were all born here. One thing is certain; politics in Alberta are always unpredictable.
Fighting Injustice
Fighting for Alberta's provincial independence, fighting for the right to control public lands and resources, fighting for the rights of women, Albertans are known to test the limits and demand changes.
Newcomers
Settlers from across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia came to Alberta seeking free land, religious and political freedom, and most of all, a fresh start. Meet the diverse peoples who brought new languages, cultures and skills to shape Alberta as she, in turn, shapes them.
War and the Homefront
The wars bring about different arrivals and departures interrupting Alberta's relative isolation. To this place so separate from the world's conflicts came POWs, internees and training sites. See how the province's character is shaped by bringing Alberta to the world and the world to Alberta.
Oil and Gas
Alberta's natural resources have built prosperity and success but oil is an enigmatic resource that both blesses and curses those who depend on it. Our rich energy has greatly affected the province's economy, politics, social structure and its future.
Post Haste
Alberta is now a complex, highly urban, yet still physically stunning province, and our maverick story continues in the present. We are a diverse and wildly unpredictable place with a population who lives, breathes and relishes change.
Find out more: www.glenbow.org/about/media/kits.cfm
Author:
Karin Põldaas
Glenbow Museum
Email: kpoldaas@glenbow.org
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