September 17th, 2019
Ranching Under the Arch: Stories from the Southern Alberta Ranchlands
D. Larraine Andrews, Historian, Author
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
Pioneers made the rangelands their home, conserving and preserving the land for generations to come. In the process, they were instrumental in establishing the vibrant and successful ranching industry that remains a fundamental part of our history and our future. Using photos and readings, this talk will delve into some of these compelling stories.
October 15th, 2019
The Glenbow Western Research Centre: An Introduction and Tour at the Taylor Digital Library
Dr. Annie Murray, Associate University Librarian, Archives and Special Collections
7pm
Gallery Hall, Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary
410 University Ct NW
FREE PROGRAM
REGISTRATION NOW FULL
Come and learn about special and archival collections in the new Centre scheduled to open in the Fall of 2019. In this new research centre anyone can access the holdings of Special Collections, the archives of Canadian Architecture, U of C and the Glenbow. You will be introduced to the new Centre and participate in a short tour. Pre-register at amurr@ucalgary.ca or call 403-210-9521.
October 29th, 2019
Like the Phoenix: The Alberta University of the Arts
Jennifer Salahub, Professor Emerita at AUArts
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
The institution that most of us know as the Alberta College of Art and Design, the Art College, or even the ACA took on a new identity and will now be known as the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts). This illustrated talk touches on the lesser known highlights of more than a century of institutional history--from its creation in 1916 as the Art in the Provincial Institute of the Technology and Art through a tangled social history marked by relocations and changing identities to present day.
November 26th, 2019
The Banff-Canmore Mission and the Popular Novelist Ralph Connor
Dr. David Marshall, Professor, Department of History, University of Calgary
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
David Marshall will explore how the Rev. Charles W. Gordon's years serving as a missionary in the Banff-Canmore region served as a foundation and inspiration for his literary career as the popular novelist "Ralph Connor."
2019/2020 Program (pdf)
DownloadDecember 7th, 2019
Christmas Luncheon
Margaret Shelton: Eminent Alberta Artist
Elizabeth Herbert, MA, Author, Art Educator, Instructor
Lunch at 11am, Talk at 12pm
Danish Canadian Club
727 - 11 Ave SW
TICKETS REQUIRED FOR LUNCH
Shelton's work is not only evidence of her devotion to the landscape, but also to political beliefs that are frequently reflected in her choice of subjects. Her work from the Drumheller Valley area, the Alberta mountain parks and Calgary will be presented, with a view to placing it in the context of contemporary work.
January 28th, 2020
Sitting Bull: Four Years in Canada
Jack Dunn, Retired Teacher, Historian, Author
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
Sitting Bull brought 4,000 Sioux to Canada. Why did he come here, what was the impact and danger in the situation? How did other Nations and the NWMP react? This presentation will shine a light on this segment of Alberta history.
February 18th, 2020
Mapping Black Calgary, 1890-1960
Cheryl Foggo, Author, Filmmaker, Playwright
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
Immerse yourself in the Calgary you didn't learn about in school. Through images, text and maps, Cheryl Foggo will bring to life the people, places and events of Black Calgary across a span of time.
March 24th, 2020
AGM & Dinner
"Please do not subject our children to annihilation:" Calgarians Against Nuclear Arms
Dr. Nicole Marion-Patola, Senior Associate, Know History
AGM at 5pm, talk at 7pm
FCJ Centre
219 - 19 Ave SW
TICKETS REQUIRED FOR DINNER
From 1959 to 1963 there was a small but enthusiastic disarmament movement in Canada. Opposition to the notion of nuclear weapons on Canadian soil was politically challenging in Calgary. Nevertheless, many Cold War Calgarians spoke out and marched against nuclear arms.
April 21st, 2020
Bison in Alberta: Their Past, Present and Future
Harvey Locke and Marie-Eve Marchand, Conservationists, Photographers and Writers
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
Alberta has played a disproportionate role in the human relationship with bison from pre-history to the XXI century. In many ways, the bison is a symbol of Albertan's relationship with nature.
May 26th, 2020
Pre-contact Indigenous Specialisations
Dr. Linda Many Guns, Professor, University of Lethbridge Indigenous Studies
7pm
Central Library
802 - 3 St SE
FREE PROGRAM
This presentation will outline the wide variety of knowledge found in Blackfoot Territory before contact. Examples include large trade centres, successful brain surgery, horse training, weapon making, etc. Learn about the winter count holders, women who were warriors, healing and plant medicine, etc.
In cooperation with Calgary Public Library, Chinook Country is going virtual for our fall programming.
While we could not celebrate in person, Historic Calgary week went virtual for 2020. Doug Coats attracted huge audiences with his audience favourites of Calgary’s Oldest Twenty Houses and also Calgary Welcomes the Car. And Shaun Hunter presented the same talk that she had planned to give in Central United Church – Scribblers and Scribblers. It too was an audience favourite. Shaun is also the historian in residence for Calgary Public Library so this worked out perfectly. The library also provided speakers to do virtual presentations. Consequently, our goal is to provide a presentation roughly every two weeks for the next little while.
Register for these programs on the Calgary Public Library site. Some of the links are listed below. The best way to find others is to go to the following URL and search for "Chinook Country Historical Society":
https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/
If you don’t live in Calgary, you do not qualify for a Calgary library card and you cannot register for these events without a library card. As a CCHS member, if you wish to participate in these events, please email us at info@chinookhistory.ca and we can send you the appropriate link.
August 13 | 6:30 pm
Join Shari Peyerl as she travels through time and across the land that is now Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Learn how Indigenous peoples moved their goods without wheeled vehicles, how Glenbow residents contributed to our aviation history and to the first Apollo space mission, and more. In partnership with the Calgary Public Library
August 27 | 6:30 pm
From 1959 to 1963 there was a small disarmament movement in Canada. Opposition to the notion of nuclear weapons in Canada was politically challenging in Calgary. Nevertheless, many Cold War Calgarians spoke out against nuclear arms. Led by Dr. Nicole Marion-Patola, Know History. In partnership with the Calgary Public Library.
Register on the Calgary Public Library site, calgarylibrary.ca.
September 10 | 6:30 pm
Learn about the wide variety of knowledge found in Blackfoot Territory before contact. From large trade centres, successful brain surgery, and weapon making, to plant medicine, women warriors, and more. Led by Dr. Linda Many Guns, Professor, University of Lethbridge Indigenous Studies. In partnership with the Calgary Public Library.
September 24 | 6:30 pm
Join Storyteller, artist and author Karen Gummo who will share Mogensen family stories to celebrate the life of her father, Hugh Mogensen, born at Calgary's General Hospital in 1930. Enjoy a glimpse of early "East Calgary" , a trying time mixed with surprise and delight. In partnership with the Chinook Country Historical Society. Register on the Calgary Public Library website, calgarylibrary.ca .
October 8 | 6:30 pm
From Mounties playing rugby in front of the Deane House to R. B. Bennett performing a ceremonial kick off at Mewata Stadium during the Depression, the team we love had a parallel history with Calgary. Shelly McElroy presents a fan’s perspective of the Stampeders. No green allowed!
October 22 | 6:30 pm
Join Historian in Residence Shaun Hunter to find out about her project to map Calgary’s literary landmarks. Shaun will share her motivation behind the project, and a few of the treasures she’s found in the city’s storied landscape. In partnership with the Calgary Public Library.
November 5 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Join Aldona Jaworska as she discusses her book Polish War Veterans in Alberta: The Last Four Stories. These compelling post-WWII stories of resettlement in Alberta is social history brought to life through intimate first-hand accounts of a unique moment in our past. In partnership with the Calgary Public Library.
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Join English author Robert Nurden as he explores the life and times of his grandfather Stanley James who as a young man spent an eventful time the Canadian west before returning to England. James later became a prolific author who counted G.K. Chesterton and Bertrand Russell among others as friends.
Friday, Dec. 4 | 6:30-8 pm
Join author, photographer, and Albertan Leah Hennel as she shares insights from her new book Along the Western Front. Explore this stunning debut collection of photography which represents a fresh perspective on contemporary cowboy culture and the modern ranching lifestyle throughout central and southern Alberta.
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Following the harvest and fall hunt, and before trapping season, Métis communities were left with considerable downtime. From Christmas Eve to New Years, and throughout the wedding season of January and February, this downtime was often filled with ample festivities. Join us to learn more about winter merriment in Métis communities in Alberta.
Please join us for this virtual program, sponsored by Lougheed House and presented in partnership with Calgary Public Library and Chinook Country Historical Society.
In cooperation with Calgary Public Library, Chinook Country is going virtual for our fall programming.
Register for these programs on the Calgary Public Library site. Some of the links are listed below. The best way to find others is to go to the following URL and search for "Chinook Country Historical Society":https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/
If you don’t live in Calgary, you do not qualify for a Calgary library card and you cannot register for these events without a library card. As a CCHS member, if you wish to participate in these events, please email us at info@chinookhistory.ca and we can send you the appropriate link.
January 7 | 6:30 pm
Join Josh Traptow, Monarchist & Executive Director of Heritage Calgary as he talks about past Royal Visits to Calgary. From the first visit in 1901 by The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V & Queen Mary) to the latest visit in 2011 by the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.
January 21 | 6:30 pm
Join author, art historian, and hiking guide Lisa Christensen in a presentation exploring iconic works of Canadian art, and the mountains that inspired them. Lisa has published four books that link the place and the painting. From views painted alongside the railway to vistas deep in the backcountry, put your virtual boots on and go hiking.
February 4 | 6:30 pm
One day, over a century ago, a young Englishman named John Burgon Bickersteth was walking through the backwoods of Alberta when he made a startling discovery. A hundred years before that, his great grandfather, Edward Bickersteth, walked through an entirely different hinterland and made a very similar discovery. Between both of them is Bertrand Bickersteth, another century away, working to piece together his connection to these Bickersteths, who he will never know, and this land, where he will always be from. Join Bertrand Bickersteth as he pulls all of the pieces together.
Tuesday, February 16 | 6:30 pm
Join Dale Leckie, Ph.D., P Geol., as he guides us through the Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks, and the geology and geomorphology that have created the amazing scenery in Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks.
Thursday, March 4 | 6:30 pm
Join historian Don Smith as he explores how journalist Buffalo Child Long Lance (1891-1932) who lived in Alberta in the early 1920’s, Calgary high school teacher John Laurie (1899-1959), and Alberta author Hugh Dempsey (1929- ), all helped to make Indigenous history better known to non-Indigenous Canadians, and especially Albertans.
Thursday, March 18 | 6:30 pm
From the redevelopment of our downtown since the 1950s, to petroleum infrastructure and administrative labour, to the role of indigenous communities, explore how developments in Calgary both reflected and transformed petroleum development throughout Canada.
April 8 | 6:30 pm
Local historian and author, Rob Lennard, is based at the historic Bow Valley Ranche. Perhaps because he likes to “lasso” all stories Alberta, he has become known as the “History Wrangler.”
It is fitting then, that he will begin this presentation by focusing via story and song, on its “Three Distinguished Ranchers,” John Glenn, William Roper Hull, and the “Cattle King,” Senator Patrick Burns.
He will then talk about the brave Alberta soldiers who fought in The Battle of Vimy Ridge, the battle which is the subject of the military themed 3rd book of his trilogy, which is being written for the 105th Anniversary in 2022.
He will conclude with a segment of “Fistful of Alberta History” -- short history subjects from his Twitter Corral.
April 22 | 6:30 pm
Rouleauville, Calgary’s historic French Quarter and now known as the Mission District, was incorporated as a village in 1899. It was named in honour of Judge Charles-Borromée Rouleau and his brother Doctor Édouard-Hector Rouleau, influential French-Canadian settlers. Explore the little known history of this fascinating part of Calgary’s history.
In cooperation with Calgary Public Library, Chinook Country is going virtual for our fall programming.
While we could not celebrate in person, Historic Calgary week went virtual for 2020. Doug Coats attracted huge audiences with his audience favourites of Calgary’s Oldest Twenty Houses and also Calgary Welcomes the Car. And Shaun Hunter presented the same talk that she had planned to give in Central United Church – Scribblers and Scribblers. It too was an audience favourite. Shaun is also the historian in residence for Calgary Public Library so this worked out perfectly. The library also provided speakers to do virtual presentations. Consequently, our goal is to provide a presentation roughly every two weeks for the next little while.
Register for these programs on the Calgary Public Library site. The best way to find others is to go to the following URL and search for "Chinook Country Historical Society":
https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/
Check back on our website to see additional programs and information as it becomes available.
In cooperation with Calgary Public Library, Chinook Country is going virtual for our fall programming.
Register for these programs on the Calgary Public Library site. Some of the links are listed below. The best way to find others is to go to the following URL and search for "Chinook Country Historical Society":https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/
If you don’t live in Calgary, you do not qualify for a Calgary library card and you cannot register for these events without a library card. As a CCHS member, if you wish to participate in these events, please email us at info@chinookhistory.ca and we can send you the appropriate link.
Thursday, March 18 | 6:30 pm
From the redevelopment of our downtown since the 1950s, to petroleum infrastructure and administrative labour, to the role of indigenous communities, explore how developments in Calgary both reflected and transformed petroleum development throughout Canada.
April 8 | 6:30 pm
Local historian and author, Rob Lennard, is based at the historic Bow Valley Ranche. Perhaps because he likes to “lasso” all stories Alberta, he has become known as the “History Wrangler.”
It is fitting then, that he will begin this presentation by focusing via story and song, on its “Three Distinguished Ranchers,” John Glenn, William Roper Hull, and the “Cattle King,” Senator Patrick Burns.
He will then talk about the brave Alberta soldiers who fought in The Battle of Vimy Ridge, the battle which is the subject of the military themed 3rd book of his trilogy, which is being written for the 105th Anniversary in 2022.
He will conclude with a segment of “Fistful of Alberta History” -- short history subjects from his Twitter Corral.
April 22 | 6:30 pm
Rouleauville, Calgary’s historic French Quarter and now known as the Mission District, was incorporated as a village in 1899. It was named in honour of Judge Charles-Borromée Rouleau and his brother Doctor Édouard-Hector Rouleau, influential French-Canadian settlers. Explore the little known history of this fascinating part of Calgary’s history.
June 10 | 6:30pm
Explore the life of Allan Poyntz Patrick who not only had a surveying career that spanned at least 65 years but was also: a rifleman and military gunner during the Fenian Raids, an early 1880s rancher on the Ghost River, a 2nd Riel Rebellion fighter, a farmer, a Calgary alderman, and the owner of the first drilled well in Western Canada.
In cooperation with Calgary Public Library, Chinook Country is going virtual for our fall programming.
Register for these programs on the Calgary Public Library site. Some of the links are listed below. The best way to find others is to go to the following URL and search for "Chinook Country Historical Society":https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/
If you don’t live in Calgary, you do not qualify for a Calgary library card and you cannot register for these events without a library card. As a CCHS member, if you wish to participate in these events, please email us at info@chinookhistory.ca and we can send you the appropriate link.
June 3 | 6:30 pm
Explore the intriguing story of Alberta’s landscape evolution from Waterton Lakes, to Dinosaur Provincial Park, and more, using eye-catching images. This talk blends storytelling with science, incorporating natural landscape beauty with art and history, and gives you what you need to discover the spectacular landforms of Alberta.
June 10 | 6:30pm
Explore the life of Allan Poyntz Patrick who not only had a surveying career that spanned at least 65 years but was also: a rifleman and military gunner during the Fenian Raids, an early 1880s rancher on the Ghost River, a 2nd Riel Rebellion fighter, a farmer, a Calgary alderman, and the owner of the first drilled well in Western Canada.
Join Canmore-based curator and writer Mary-Beth Laviolette, as she explores the rich history of women artists living and working in the Bow Valley. She will start with the camera work of Daisy E. Carroll, Canmore’s first documentary photographer and ‘post mistress’ and continue to a very active and creative present day in Canmore and Banff.
September 14 | 7:00pm
Calgary Central Library, Patricia A Whelan Performance Hall
Fort Calgary has a complicated history because it ushered colonialism into what we call Calgary today. This session will explore insights about decolonization by pondering ways to reckon with Fort Calgary’s past, and how we can collectively step into new stories.
This program will be available both in-person and virtually.
In partnership with Fort Calgary and the Chinook Country Historical Society.
November 9 | 7:00pm
Virtual Event
Join a conversation about the evolution of how our community has, and is, supporting the physical and mental health of Canadian Forces members, veterans, and emergency service personnel.
Led by Jordan Witzel, UCalgary, and Board Member Field of Crosses. In Partnership with CCHS.
October 19 | 7:00pm
Virtual Event
Peter Peller, Librarian, University of Calgary
Come explore the cartographic history of southern Alberta from the first explorers to the beginnings of the modern era and discover how to access the related maps. Along the way, listen to the narrative describing their creation and learn about the interesting ways that researchers are using the information within them to tell their own stories.
Given that restrictions continue to be in place preventing us from meeting in person, we decided to hold our AGM virtually. We hope that you will join us for this important annual event. You can participate on Zoom, which also has a phone-in feature. Please register for the AGM by emailing your intent to attend the meeting virtually to info@chinookhistory.ca. You will receive connection information and meeting materials in the week prior to the meeting. For more information, please contact info@chinookhistory.ca or call (403) 261-4667.
Welcome to new Board Members:
Directors:
MacKenzie Brash
Tina Miller
Mary Ann Kenny
Treasurer:
Susan Chalmers
Returning Members:
Walt DeBoni, Past President
Jackie Kleiner, President
Graeme Miller, Secretary
Paul Mercer, First Vice President
Megan Ballard, Second Vice President
Kim Geraldi, Director
Sarah Harvey, Director (Social Media)
Patrick Mealey, Director (Programs)
Andrew Bardsley, Director (App Committee)
Thank you to outgoing members: Nicole Marion-Patola, Kari Burgess, and Vivian Sampson
Bylaw Changes:
The main change will allow for electronic forms of meeting notification, voting etc for the Board and Members. Also termination of membership is scheduled when fees are 6 months overdue. President can serve more than one two year term if there is no one to succeed them.
Financial Position:
CCHS is in a very good position financially. We have a small surplus, donations have remained strong and funds have been set aside for the development of the Walking App. We are currently invested in two GIC’s.
Thank you to Roberta Ryckman and Ron Kessler for acting as Auditors.
Programs:
Since August 2020 we have hosted 18 events, 1556 households have tuned in, for an estimated 2000 participants. Virtual programs are scheduled until mid June. Thank you to the Calgary Public Library for hosting us.
We are planning a modified Historic Calgary Week for July 23 to August 2, 2021, stay tuned!
If you have any questions please contact info@chinookhistory.ca.
January 18 | 7:00pm
Virtual Event
Share the trials and triumphs of doing historical research using archives and a plethora of other sources as our legal past is explored. From unfortunate disciplinary experiences of young Mounties to the unhappy fate of an American fishing schooner that (probably) drifted into Canadian waters, learn how legal history is actually done.
Led by Drs. Lyndsay Campbell and Ted McCoy (UCalgary), and Dr. Mélanie Méthot (U Alberta).
February 15 | 7:00pm
Virtual Event
Enjoy an in-depth discussion on the creation and impact of the film We Are the Roots: Black Settlers and their Experiences of Discrimination on the Canadian Prairies. Please view in advance at no cost at https://vimeo.com/257364347. Dr Este will discuss questions and observations raised by the film as well as new film projects on this topic.
Led by Dr. David Este, retired Professor of Social Work, UCalgary. In partnership with CCHS.
The AGM of the Historical Society of Alberta, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, has been postponed. All of those currently registered for the AGM will be contacted with further details. For more information, please see the attached letter from HSA president Tim Marriott.
The Annual General Meeting, dinner and presentation will be held on March 15. 2022. Join us for "A Very Wild Cultural History of Calgary’s Zoo Polar Bears," presented by Dr George Colpitts, Professor in the Department of History at the University of Calgary.
A Very Wild Cultural History of Calgary’s Zoo Polar Bears
In July 2021, newspapers announced that the Calgary Zoo was planning to bring polar bears back to the city to live in a completely new habitat especially made for them. Polar bears have been crowd-pleasing attractions and beloved animals for the young and old at the zoo since 1938, when Buddy the polar bear was transferred to the city from the Banff Zoo. Calgarian quickly grew attached to Buddy. When he died, only a year later, the Calgary Herald reported that he was already considered “the pet of a thousand children “ in the city. This talk examines the history of poplar bears in Calgary and the ways that these animals, with extraordinary abilities, intelligence and personalities, lived lives in the city zoo and endeared themselves to generations of Calgarians, whose own attitudes and interactions with the bears changed over time.
The event will be held on March 15, 2022 at the FCJ Christian Life Centre, 219 19 Ave SW. Doors open at 5:00 pm, Annual General Meeting will commence at 5:30 pm. Followed by a buffet dinner around 6:00 pm and presentation at approximately 7:00 pm.
Please note the Centre is participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, proof of full vaccination will be required to attend. At this point, masks will be required to be worn when not seated for dinner.
Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Cash, cheque and credit card accepted. Tickets must be booked in advance by March 11 and will not be available at the door. To reserve your ticket please call Sarah Harvey at 403 404 8717 or email her at sarpatharv@gmail.com.
The Scarboro Community Association is hosting an interactive history workshop on Wednesday night, June 16th at 7pm to celebrate the finalization of its Historical Context Paper (almost 200 pages). See: www.scarborocommunity.com/heritage. A 1-hour online presentation plus 30 minutes for questions will focus on Scarboro’s unique community history. Click here to reserve your free ticket on Eventbrite.