Lethbridge Historical Society launches membership drive

By Theodora MacLeod - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on February 3, 2024.

After a successful 2023 that involved publishing a new book, naming alleyways and spreading local history, the Lethbridge Historical Society is inviting anyone interested in history to join them for 2024.

A volunteer-based organization, the Lethbridge Historical Society is a chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta and aims to promote and preserve southern Alberta’s history.

Offering online and in-person events from September to April at the public library, it welcomes presenters to speak on an array of topics. The monthly presentations are open to the public; however, many other events are for members only.

“There’s so much amazing history down here, part of our organization is to promote the importance,” She adds “It’s a way that people can get involved in finding out more about the local history,” says Historical Society member Nicole Bosh

Headed by Belinda Crowson, the group both promotes and protects the city’s history, advocating for the maintenance and preservation of heritage sites and buildings. Using social media such as Facebook, they regularly publish photos and facts from life in Lethbridge’s earlier days as a city, as well as more contemporary history allowing for members and supporters to reminisce, discuss, and learn.

As the 2024 membership season approaches, Bosh says the society is excited for the upcoming endeavours, including the Doors Open program which will allow participants to see inside some of the city’s most prominent heritage homes. Bosh notes that more information about the initiative will be released in coming weeks. Lethbridge Historical Society’s membership season runs from April to March.

In addition to regular events including tours and presentations, membership to the Historical Society grants those involved with discounts when purchasing copies of the 23 books published by the society and its members. The publications cover a vast collection of topics in local history from Lethbridge cemeteries to sports figures, the local ‘Red Light District’ that ran from 1880 to 1940, and both military and Indigenous history. Their most recent publication, “Upon Further Reflection,” features modern photos by Mike Jensen and compares photographs of past and present sites.

With membership through the Historical Society of Alberta, those involved receive quarterly newsletters and journals as well as local updates. They are also eligible to apply for both individual and organizational project grants up to $6,000 aimed to support local history research and projects. Information on the various levels of membership can be found at https://www.albertahistory.org/membership-account/membership-levels/.

For more information, questions and inquiries can be directed to: info@lethbridgehistory.org or the Lethbridge Historical Society’s voicemail at (403) 320- 4994.

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