SEARCH COLLECTIONS

The Archives Division of the ESPLANADE was established in 1981 to serve as the collective memory of southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. It seeks out, collects, preserves and makes available to researchers the archival and published documentary heritage of the region.

MANUSCRIPT HOLDINGS

The manuscript collection consists of the primary source material (correspondence, diaries, financial records) from both the public and private sectors, and relate to the political, social, artistic and business development of the city and district.


  

AUDIO VISUAL COLLECTION

The Archives audio-visual collection consists of oral history interviews, films and videos shot in or near Medicine Hat, and productions pertaining to regional historical topics. Important collections include Monarch Community Cable Broadcasting, CHAT-TV, Timothy James Video Productions, Orv Kope and Stan Weiler.

IMAGE BANK

The photograph collection is one of the major strengths of the Archives. Containing more than 300,000 prints, negatives, and slides, the holdings document significant people, places, occupations and events. Major collections include Gainsborough Studio, McCorkle Studio, Maple Creek News (1890 - 1990), CHAT-TV, and Holmes Printing.



  

MAPS / OVERSIZED COLLECTION

Represented in this part of the holdings are municipal, county, district, provincial and national maps. Of particular interest are the Cummins Rural directory maps for 1918 and 1923/1926 showing ownership, and the Medicine Hat insurance maps for 1955.

LIBRARY

The Library contains published material - books, pamphlets, journals, clippings - relating to Medicine Hat and district, and to the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Library also encompasses reference, research, and exhibition publications relating to the Art Gallery. Collection strengths include city directories, local histories, ranching and cowboys, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, gas and oil.

    


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This information is subject to change without notice. Call our information number at (403) 502-8580 to verify program details, costs and times.
The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre reserves the right to cancel courses, workshops, lectures and/or film showings without notice.