All Museums

Christ Church Mission was established in 1886, when Reverend John Gough Brick, an Anglican minister moved from Dunvegan to Shaftesbury Settlement. This mission was also known as the Shaftesbury Mission or simply the ‘English Mission’. It was slow to develop due to lack of manpower and funds. The Reverend Brick found that he could not establish both a working farm as well as preach and teach, and so it was some time before the Mission comprised of more than just the minister’s house. The building of Christ Church took place between 1898 and 1901, and was constructed largely of material salvaged from St. Saviours, the Anglican Mission at Dunvegan (Today’s site of ‘The Maples’ picnic area) 

In 1897, Mr. David Curry arrived from St. Peter’s Mission at Lesser Slave Lake to take over as schoolteacher of Christ Church Mission, Shaftesbury Settlement. By 1907, Miss Lillian Millen, School Mistress and Matron, and Miss E.M. Hall, Assistant Matron were residing with Reverend Robert Holmes and his family at the Shaftesbury Mission. The complex consisted of the church, student residence, school, and barns.  

Eventually the importance of Christ Church diminished as the village of Peace River Crossing continued to grow. Declining enrolment at the Shaftesbury school forced its closure in August 1914. The First Nations children were transferred to other boarding schools in the Diocese, in particular St. Peter’s Mission at Lesser Slave Lake. 

This site is found along Shaftsbury Trail near the Town of Peace River. 

Paddling furiously along the Peace River to beat freeze up, Alexander Mackenzie and his crew must have been very glad to reach the area where Fort Fork was to be built and where they were able to find shelter from the coming winter weather.  Soon after his arrival Mackenzie observed “the river stopped” indicating freeze up had arrived!  Mackenzie, a Scottish born explorer and fur trader was to spend the winter of 1792 – 93 at Fort Fork before continuing on his famed journey to the Pacific Ocean.  Fort Fork was named for its close proximity to the convergence of the Smoky and Peace Rivers.  The fort provided shelter for Mackenzie and several years later the explorer – geographer David Thompson.  The fort was also the main North West Company post in the Peace Country until 1806 when its operations were moved to Fort Dunvegan.  Stones from an original chimney in the fort have been preserved and fashioned into a fireplace for the public to view at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre.   

Mackenzie Cairn, a National Historic site since 1929, was built to commemorate Fort Fork and marks the spot where visitors can look across the river to the approximate area of Fort Fork which has long since been erased by the ravages of time and river erosion.  Mackenzie Cairn is found a short distance from the Town of Peace River, along the Shaftsbury Trail.  

Originally established in 1888 just west of Strong Creek by Father Auguste Husson O.M.I. (Oblates of Mary Immaculate), the St. Augustine Mission School opened its doors for the 1891-1892 school year. Father LeTreste O.M.I. being the first teacher at the mission school.  With the help of Brothers Milsens and Teillet from Dunvegan, a residence with a public chapel, a shop, a warehouse and a garden were erected at this site.   

In the summer of 1892, the Roman Catholic Church having exchanged land with Francois Le Pretre, moved the Mission and School to the present site on River Lots 21, 22, and 23. The buildings from the Mission’s previous location were moved to the new site, and by the spring of 1893, a new and larger residence with a chapel was built. The old residence that was hauled from Strong Creek was repurposed into a school house. The white church that still stands on its original site was constructed in 1894 and completed in 1896, just in time for the Priests and Brothers to welcome The Sisters of Providence in 1898. The Sisters assumed operation of the school at this time.  

In September of 1900, the Federal Government (Department of Indian Affairs) paid the board for 15 children at $72.00 each per year. However, in 1907, the Federal Government transferred their financial support from St. Augustine’s to Sturgeon Lake Mission. St. Augustine Mission School continued as a church funded facility.  

The Mission continued to grow with the erection of a new school, convent and priest’s residence. In 1945, the Mission school served 80 boarders, 12 day students, with two Fathers, three Brothers, ten Sisters and five lay employees. On December 28th, 1950, Father Tetreault sent a letter to parents of the students, announcing that the Mission was closing as a boarding school. The Sisters went to Hay Lakes where a new Indian Residential School was being opened at Chateh (Assumption Indian Residential School). 

Recognizing its historical significance, the St. Augustine church, cemetery and barn were designated as Provincial Historic Resources in 1977. This site can be found along Shaftsbury Trail near the Town of Peace River. 

Experience the day to day life of a Peace Country pioneer at the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum.  Stroll through this depiction of a typical 1920s to 1940s pioneer village and experience what life would have been like for these hardy pioneers.  Immerse yourself in history as you tour four fully furnished houses, a school, a blacksmith shop and a general store!  You can practically smell the bread baking in the bakery!  The village also includes a fire hall, municipal office, carpenter shop, church, barn and library! 

Pioneer Day celebrations are held annually on the second Saturday of August. This is a great way to enjoy the museum!  Start your day with a pancake breakfast and then actually see the saw mill, threshing machine and blacksmith in operation!  Witness butter being churned the old- fashioned way and then take a horse and wagon ride!  Enjoy a lunch of beef on a bun and pie while listening to the musical entertainment on offer. 

Directions – from Grimshaw – next to Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park, access from either Highway 2 or Secondary Highway 685. 

Open May long weekend to September long weekend. 

Hours of operation – Open Thursday to Monday (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday) 11am – 5pm. 

Admission by donation. 

Contact – 780-332-2030 

Where in the Peace Country can you see Brian Mulroney riding a mechanical bull? The Brownvale North Peace Agricultural Museum!  This 15 foot high fiberglass bull and rider were built by the Alberta Government for the Alberta Pavilion showcased in Vancouver for Expo 86! The original cost was $30,000 but the Brownvale Museum was lucky enough to have it donated to them by George McKenzie who purchased it at auction for $4000.  What better rider to portray than our Prime Minister in 1986 – Brian Mulroney! 

Continue on past the bull to explore the historical buildings on display – the Grey Eagle school and the Brownvale Post Office are available for visitors to explore. Slip back through the decades when you step inside the buildings which feature many artifacts from the past. The museum also includes a selection of agricultural equipment and road building equipment dating back to horse powered days!  Don’t miss the 1929 Chevrolet Landeau Convertible – this restored vehicle is one of only 16 left in existence! 

The museum is located on the coroner of Highway 2 and Highway 737.  Free parking, restrooms and a snack shop are all available at this wheelchair accessible facility.   The museum hours are 10am – 6pm July through August.   

A mounted albino moose and a 1500 year old arrow head are just a couple of amazing things available to see at the Battle River Pioneer Museum.   Visitors can easily imagine the town of Manning many years ago while touring the large main building, a cabin, post office, blacksmith shop and machine shed. An annual Heritage Day weekend antique tractor parade showcases the farm machinery used many years ago!  Imagine the early pioneers at work while watching the Heritage Day demonstrations that may include wood working, rope making, and flour milling. The museum’s collection also includes a mounted moose, timber wolf, cougar, grizzly bear, albino porcupine and many other odd and unusual items.  This museum located 1 km east of the Town of Manning on Secondary Highway #691 is open May 15 – September 15, 10am to 6pm daily. By appointment call – 780-836-2374.  Visitors to the area can access Manning’s Visitor Information Centre while visiting the museum as it is right next door! 

St. Isidore Museum & Cultural Centre – English

Situated in the quaint hamlet of St-Isidore, is a museum that depicts the storied heritage of the francophone community that left Quebec to establish itself in the Mighty Peace. In the museum, you’ll find costumes, pictures and artefacts that tell the story of hardships and victories. Also, theres a train car replica inside of the museum to help visualize the trek that the families had to make with their enormous families as well as with their livestock.

St. Isidore Museum & Cultural Centre – French

Situé dans le pittoresque hameau de St-Isidore, ce musée présente l’héritage historique de la communauté francophone qui a permis au gens du Québec de s’établir au sein de la région de Rivière-de-la-Paix. Dans le musée, vous trouverez des costumes, des images et des artefacts qui racontent l’histoire des épreuves et des victoires. De plus, il y a une réplique d’un wagon de train à l’intérieur du musée pour aider à visualiser le trek que les familles devaient faire avec leur famille et avec leur bétail. Nous accueillons tout le monde, même si vous ne parlez pas français.

Tisserandes De St. Isidore (St. Isidore Weavers)

Hours Of Operation:

• Monday – Thursday, 9:00am -4:30pm
• Fridays – Call  (780)624-8481

While some area residents joke that Dixonville may have the world’s smallest museum, it is proof of a group of people with a very big sense of community.  Located in an authentic early 20th century trading post cabin within the Hamlet of Dixonville this museum was one of the first log buildings in the community.  The original one room store was owned and operated by various residents and was eventually restored by the community’s many volunteers. The building became the Dixonville Museum and opened to the public showcasing many artifacts of the community settlement. The original building and restoration of this museum showcases the strength, determination and cooperation of the pioneers of this region.