About CCHS

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Ever wonder who that building, street or school was named after or what happened in a particular place? Have you heard stories of the past that whet your appetite to know more? Do you know why a certain place has been given a historic designation? After learning about a particular place or event, have you said “I did not know that”! All these questions can be answered through the study of history. These are the questions that challenge us to learn more, to seek out stories and perspectives that help us to understand and address questions and dilemmas. At the same time we recognize the need to make history fun and learning enjoyable. As human beings we seek to make sense of our environment and to create meaningful connections with each other.

Knowledge of our past is essential for an understanding of the present and as a foundation for the future. Hearing the voices of ancestors gives us all a perspective on the world we find ourselves in today. The mission of CCHS is to provide opportunities for community members to engage with our rich history through diverse event and program offerings. We serve as an educational platform, working to expand understanding and foster an appreciation for history and its integral role in shaping our obligations now and in the future. We believe that local history needs to be a vital part of the public imagination and discourse to ensure an inspired, well informed, literate and engaged citizenry. Our contribution to creating a sense of place is important to us.

Imagine a city without Historical buildings, libraries, parks and the performing arts! The work of CCHS is designed to enrich the cultural fabric of our area, to spark interest, pride or questions in our past and for all those who have come before us. CCHS envisions an inclusive, united community that values and is engaged in our shared history. We strive to be the central hub of historical programming, collaborating to preserve and bring oral, written and physical history to life for current and future generations.

We take inspiration from the driving forces that have lived on these lands from the first peoples who inhabited this area for millennia, to those who have arrived more recently and all that continue to make this area their home.

We are the local chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta (HSA), our service area stretches from Olds to Nanton, from the British Columbia to the Saskatchewan border. We believe history should be found, preserved, shared and celebrated. The HSA was established in 1907, CCHS was most recently incorporated in 1993.