Prestigious Award for Crowsnest Historical Society

In a ceremony held on September 26, 2024, the Crowsnest Historical Society (CHS) was recognized with the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award for its enduring commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Crowsnest Pass. 

The award acknowledged the society’s exceptional work in the protection, preservation, and promotion of Alberta’s historical and cultural assets over the past 50 years.

Fred Bradley, a founding member of the CHS, accepted the award on behalf of the society and its members, staff, and volunteers. In his speech, Bradley expressed gratitude for the recognition and credited the society’s achievements to a collaborative community effort. 

“The many accomplishments of the Crowsnest Historical Society are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of its executive, board, society members, staff, and volunteers over these past five decades,” Bradley said.

Bradley acknowledged several key supporters who contributed to the award nomination, including Mayor Blair Painter of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, and historians Dr. Frits Pannekoek and Dr. Adriana Davies. 

“We are honoured to receive this award and thankful for the support of those who believe in our mission to protect and share the incredible history of the Crowsnest Pass,” he added.

The CHS has a long history of advocacy and action in preserving historical sites across the region. Formed in 1974, the society began by securing the 1936 Coleman High School building, which now serves as the Crowsnest Museum, housing a collection of over 60,000 artifacts and 80,000 archival documents. The society has also played a vital role in safeguarding important historical sites such as the Bellevue Underground Mine, the Alberta Provincial Police Barracks, and the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre.

Bradley, who has been involved with the society since its inception, reflected on its remarkable journey. 

“For over fifty years, the Crowsnest Historical Society has been active in the protection, preservation, and promotion of the incredible history and heritage assets of the Crowsnest Pass,” he said, “From natural disasters such as the Frank Slide to Canada’s worst mining disaster at Hillcrest, from prohibition-era rum running to incredible labour and political history, the Crowsnest Pass has one of Alberta’s and Canada’s richest histories.”

He specifically praised the late Anne Spatuk, who served as president of the CHS for more than two decades. 

“I must mention the late Anne Spatuk, who served as its president for over 20 years and whose guiding hand shepherded the organization during its formative years,” he said, emphasizing her impact on the society’s growth and direction.

Bradley also acknowledged the ongoing challenges in preserving the region’s history, particularly in relation to Alberta’s built heritage. He voiced concerns about potential threats to landmark sites due to modern infrastructure developments, including the planned Highway 3 upgrade, which could affect iconic landmarks like the Frank Slide and Burmis Tree. 

“Much has been accomplished, but as many of you know, there are many challenges and threats to preserving Alberta’s built heritage and its history,” he said, “I have often said, ‘The Crowsnest Pass has more history than it can afford.’ To maintain, preserve, and protect that history for future generations will require continued advocacy by the Crowsnest Historical Society and the creation of constructive partnerships with others, including higher levels of government and the private sector.”

In addition to preserving historical sites, the CHS has also been a key partner in promoting cultural tourism and heritage education in the region. Bradley highlighted the society’s current partnership with the Crowsnest Cultural and Recreation Society to restore the historic Roxy Theatre, a Provincial Historic Resource, as a performing arts centre. The project gained national attention earlier this year, placing fourth in the National Trust’s “Next Great Save” contest. 

“The Roxy Theatre project is a testament to what can be achieved when communities and heritage organizations come together,” Bradley noted.

The CHS’s role extends beyond preservation to operating important heritage attractions. Bradley pointed out that the society is a founding partner of Heritage Crowsnest, which manages day-to-day operations of the Crowsnest Museum, the Alberta Provincial Police Barracks, and the Bellevue Underground Mine. These facilities, all designated as Provincial Historic Resources, attract visitors from across Alberta and beyond, enriching the understanding of the region’s complex history.

Despite the many successes, Bradley underscored the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to ensure that Crowsnest Pass’s heritage remains intact for future generations. 

“To maintain and protect this heritage for the future, it is essential that we continue to build partnerships with all levels of government and the private sector,” Bradley stressed, “The Crowsnest Pass has a vast and unique history, and it is our duty to preserve it.”

In closing, Bradley expressed his deep appreciation for the award, stating, “As a founding member of the Crowsnest Historical Society, it is my honour to accept this Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of the board and members of the Crowsnest Historical Society.” 

He also congratulated the other award recipients and commended their dedication to preserving Alberta’s heritage. 

“This recognition is not just for us, but for everyone who has worked tirelessly to keep our shared history alive,” he said.

With this award, the Crowsnest Historical Society solidifies its position as a leading voice in Alberta’s heritage preservation, continuing its mission to protect the stories and sites that have shaped the province’s past and will continue to influence its future.