Explore the legendary Mighty Peace, from the fur trade to modern times, through the exhibits at the museum. Discover Nampa and Northern Sunrise County’s historic multicultural roots by following the steps of those who ventured to Canada’s northern-most homesteading area, across the Grouard Trail and onto the railways that took people from all over the world through muskeg to the Mighty Peace Country. Learn about local industries, about farming, about traditional ways as they guide you through the indoor and outdoor exhibits and buildings. With displays on two floors open year round and outdoor exhibits accessible from May Long Weekend to October Long Weekend, the Nampa and District Museum is more than worth a gander.
Can you tell us a bit about the museum?
The Nampa and District Museum was started by the Nampa and District Historical Society, and has been collecting area artefacts and stories since 1990. In 2013, the Rucka Log House, caboose and water tank were installed at the present site, and our new building opened in 2015. The church in our backyard was relocated here from Reno in 2017. We’re currently working on a complete inventory and then redoing some of our exhibits in 2021.
What can visitors expect when they visit?
They can expect to be greeted by our friendly and helpful staff (usually our Museum Director) and explore our indoor exhibits in our lovely new building.
What makes the museum unique from any other museum in the Mighty Peace?
We tell a similar settler narrative to many of our neighbouring museums, but we’re trying to highlight more unique stories, characters and events from our local area to set ourselves apart a little bit. We also have the good fortune of being a little bit of a pioneer museum with our outdoor gallery, and a civic museum with our year-round indoor display space.
Do host events?
Yes, we do. All events are listed on our website and advertised through our social media channels. Follow us online to stay up-to-date!
What is your favourite memory at the museum?
During our inventory I found a 50+ year old pail of lard that was sealed and still had lard in it. I had to open it to clean out the can, and was just so relieved that it didn’t smell! So far that’s one of my favourite memories, but I’ve only been here a year, so I’m looking forward to many new ones.Â
How long has the museum been open for?
In the late 1980s the Nampa and District Historical Society began operating a tourist information booth. In 1990, the Historical Society opened a museum in the old Baptist Church which was located at the sound end of the village. In 2015 the museum collection was relocated to its present location in the new museum building. We are still actively collecting artefacts that tell the story of Nampa and Northern Sunrise County.
Is there are outdoor museum?
We do have an outdoor area which features antique farm equipment, railroad artefacts (including a CN caboose) the Rucka Log House and the Reno Ukrainian Catholic Church. Access to our ‘outdoor gallery’ is from May Long weekend to Oct Long weekend.
What are your hours of operation??
Sep 01 – May Long weekend we are open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. It’s always a good idea to double check our website or call and confirm our hours in the fall/winter as they do change occasionally. Our summer hours are from May Long to Aug 31 open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm.
