History is about to come alive thanks to the Lethbridge Historical Society’s mixed bag of walking tours scheduled this summer.
It all kicks off June 9 with a walking tour of Henderson Lake Park, including Gunnery Point.
“And some of the more interesting historical plaques and bench signs,” says Lorien Johansen, society vice-president.
On June 20, there will be a member’s only exclusive tour entitled, “Bars and Taverns of Lethbridge Past.”
Membership information and walking tour dates, times and locations are available online via lethbridgehistory.org. There are also free memberships for post-secondary students.
In July, there are two walking tours scheduled, including a free public tour of the Warehouse District July 11. On July 25, there will be a free public walking tour of 13 Street North.
On Aug. 1, there’s a free public walking tour of Hardieville. According to the historical society, Hardieville had a population approaching 1,000 people, with 100 households in 1917.
“In the mid-1930s, when the Galt 8 mine closed, 75 per cent of the population of the community left. Hardieville had to redefine itself from a coal mining community to an agricultural hamlet. This tour will outline the history of this community from coal mining boom town to a neighbourhood within the city of Lethbridge,” notes the historical society.
Discover the stories of women who helped build Lethbridge and southern Alberta through their work with the “Women’s Labour History” tour Aug. 29.
“Some of the original female entrepreneurs and women who worked in the labour industry,” adds Johansen.
A Lethbridge favourite is returning Sept. 7. It’s a walking tour of St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
“We’ll be introducing some new stories to that cemetery tour. There are American Civil War vets, local coalminers, murder victims and victims of past pandemics,” says Johansen.
On Sept. 22, don’t miss the walking tour, “Chinese Restaurants of the Past.”
“Throughout Lethbridge’s downtown, many Chinese restaurants have served incredibly tasty food over the past 120-plus years. Discover their stories and more about the lives of the people who owned and operated these restaurants,” notes the historical society.
Johansen says the last walking tour of the season is scheduled for Oct. 5. It’s a member’s only exclusive tour entitled, “Murders and Crime of Lethbridge Past.”
“Belinda Crowson has been doing quite a bit of research and writing for this tour for quite some time. I’ve heard precursor stories from some of the things she’s discovered and it’s fascinating. I can’t wait to attend that one,” says Johansen.
Tour guides will be at each location rain or shine over the summer. “We’ve had good feedback and reception to all of our walking tours and a good turnout,” adds Johansen. “Our walking tours during our spring and summer programming are always one of the most popular ones.”
Throughout September and April, the society hosts indoor programming sessions once a month.
“We bring in speakers and presenters from the local area to talk about different subjects that are interesting and relevant to history or Lethbridge,” says Johansen.
Some of the past information sessions have included information about how to research your home’s history and how to start the journey to find your family’s genealogy.