The Cranbrook Archives Museum and Landmark Society

The Cranbrook History Centre is a landmark site located in Cranbrook BC. We preserve and display a nationally designated railcar collection internationally recognized paleontology specimens and serve as a repository for the history of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region for all to explore and discover. CHC is focused on bringing sustainable programming which enriches educates and entertains to the community. The CHC provides interactive and community focused activities which bring diverse exhibits to life. Exceptional audience centered experiences are created through interactive guided tours of the Historic Railcars and Cranbrook’s historic landmarks community talks in the Royal Alexandra Hall field trips to ancient fossil dig sites object-based learning education programs for regional school groups and hands-on workshops led by local experts. The History Centre acts as custodian to over 45 000 artifacts and historic documents 1 000 natural history specimens 3 historic buildings 19 historic railcars and 1 historic room. These objects spaces and railcars are a unique and accessible resource for visitors. Direct involvement with historic objects and local experts gives power and immediacy to learning encounters fostering an understanding and appreciation of BC’s unique history. These activities delivered at the History Centre’s main facility in the community and online use the historic objects to spark the imagination of children and adults alike fostering curiosity deepen their understanding and encourage ownership. At the museum current programming such as kids Paleontology summer camps expanded to meet increased community demand and the second annual East Kootenay Heritage Fair was offered in collaboration with the local school district.