Supporting cultural education in Southern Alberta
The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives is a non-profit group that works to promote public appreciation of the Galt Museum & Archives by undertaking fundraising initiatives designed to foster a greater awareness of the Galt and to support the history and culture of our region.
By working closely with teachers and Indigenous voices in the region, incorporating the Alberta educational curriculum, and hosting various fundraising events, the Friends of the Galt Society offers invaluable support to the Galt’s many educational programs.
The Friends of the Galt Society has been associated with the following events, programs and displays:
School Bussing programs
Valentines High Tea
Beer Festivals
Agricultural Speaker Series
Irrigation display with Richardson Oil Seeds
Classroom Mural
About the Friends of the Galt
The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives is registered under the Societies Act of Alberta as a non-profit group. The Friends promote public support of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives, undertake fundraising initiatives, receive donations and sponsor events, all designed to foster a greater awareness and appreciation of the Galt. The funds raised are directed to educational programs at the Galt.
Using the entire Galt Museum & Archives and Fort Whoop-Up as the classroom, a qualified teacher enlivens history for visiting student groups. Working closely with teachers in the region, the Alberta curriculum is incorporated in presentations. The sometimes forgotten history of Indigenous Peoples is given voice in the Galt’s programs.
In 2009, the Friends Society Board and the Galt Museum & Archives' Board jointly established the “Friends of the Galt Endowment Fund” through the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. Contributions to the Endowment Fund are permanently invested in perpetuity with subsequent earnings used to support the Galt’s programs in the future. Donors are eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt for their donation.
Currently the Friends Board is managed by five community members and supported by Galt staff. Various fundraising events have been hosted including dinners with an outstanding speaker, beer festivals, Valentine’s teas, raffles, and others. The funds have supported bussing students from their school to the Galt and back to school, materials for use in educational programs, a mural in the Galt’s classroom, an outdoor irrigation exhibit, and many more.
Meeting Dates
The Friends of the Galt meet monthly at 10 am for 2 hours.
Join the Board of the Friends
Interested in making a difference in our community? Consider becoming a Board Member of the Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives. We meet monthly to plan fundraising, raise awareness and assist with educational programs at the museum and Fort Whoop-Up. Contact the Board President, Vic Mensch at friends@galtmuseum.com for further details. When you’re ready, complete the application form and email it to friends@galtmuseum.com. We encourage a diversity of applications to the Board.
Together we, the Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives, raise funds for, build awareness of and support educational initiatives by the Galt Museum and Fort Whoop- Up. We know you will find it delightful time well spent with like-minded people.