DIDSBURY - Didsbury Museum volunteers and staff continue to work hard to meet the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, town council heard recently.
Didsbury and District Historical Society (DDHS) president Rick Astle appeared before council as a delegation during the Nov. 24 council meeting.
In a 15-minute presentation, he talked about projects and programs, maintenance and upkeep of the museum building, and other activities.
“COVID kind of kicked us in the spring and is still giving us a good wallop right now,” said Astle. “As far as meeting the needs of our youth, unfortunately this has taken a big hit. With health protocols and what-not with COVID there has been no youth programming at the museum this past year and it looks like there probably won’t be for the foreseeable future, from what I’ve heard.
“As far as meeting the needs of our seniors, it is essentially the same, with nothing happening in the museum.”
Volunteers have been periodically updating displays at the museum over the past year, and some new displays have been added, he said.
The recently-released heritage book has been a great success, he said.
Maintenance of the 113-year-old museum building is an “ongoing issue,” he said.
“We know that over the next few years repairs to our roof are going to have to be done,” he said. “It’s going to take some expertise. We are looking at upgrading our lighting to LED lighting.”
Plumbing and heating in the museum building has been upgraded by Fusion Plumbing and Heating, which donated the necessary materials and services, he said.
“That was very fortunate for us and there was no dollar outlay for us,” he said.
Digital scanning of historic photos is being undertaken at the museum, with more than 1,100 images already scanned, he said.
“Ultimately we hope to take it live and when it does you’ll be able to look for a photo and order a copy,” he said.
The work on the garden railroad project continues, he said.
The society has developed several partnerships over the years, including with Central Alberta Museum Network, Travel Alberta, Mountain View Arts Society, the chamber of commerce, the model railroad club, Zion Church, Town of Didsbury, Mountain View County, and Alberta Museum Association, “and we continue with those relationships,” he said.
Mayor Rhonda Hunter commended society members for their efforts.
“I always call you guys the keeper of our history and you are so good at it,” said Hunter.
Council accepted Astle’s report as information.
