MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) has announced its lineup of programs to welcome the summer throughout the month of June.
Upcoming events
- : Set to take place on Saturday, June 14, and running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum, the WDM’s newest detailing technician volunteers will give visitors a closer look under the hood of multiple cars in the Land Gallery and explain what’s going on under the hood. Guests aren’t typically privy to exploring the engine compartment of these vehicles, so this presents a rare and unique opportunity for classic car enthusiasts to examine a vehicle regarded as an unaltered historic document.
- Mortlach Berry Festival: Set to take place in the village of Mortlach on Saturday, June 14, the WDM’s summer students will hold an outreach booth at the returning Berry Festival and everyone’s invited to come out for a visit.
- Sidewalk Days: Representatives of the WDM will be attending Sidewalk Days with a museum booth this summer, from July 3 to July 5 in downtown Moose Jaw.
- Summer camps: From July 8 to July 10, and running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, the WDM will be holding its summer camps. For more information, contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 or [email protected].
Seek and find
The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet, and visitors search the galleries for clues on interpretive signs or display cases. Check the museum’s website for updates.
- : Guests are invited to locate 12 rainbow flags, a symbol of pride, diversity, and inclusion, that are hidden throughout the museum galleries. The seek and find runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at your own pace throughout the month of June.
- : Hood ornaments are displayed on the front of certain vehicles and often carry the name of the manufacturer. On older cars and trucks, some of these hood ornaments are prominently displayed and intricately designed, and may contain the company’s logo. Guests can find a list of hood ornaments at their own pace from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the month of June.
Courses and workshops
The museum offers seasonal educational courses that teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam-traction engine operation, with certificates typically awarded upon completion.
- Upcoming courses: Upcoming courses haven’t been confirmed yet, but you can contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 or [email protected] for more information.
K+S Short Line 101
To showcase the raw power of steam energy, the WDM showcases its fully operational K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train each summer and guests can catch a ride on a working piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive.
- : The Short Line 101 is back in service! Contact the museum before heading out for an updated schedule, as the train’s operation is dependent on weather, maintenance, and volunteer availability.
Reminiscence Kits
The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. These kits, containing everyday artifacts from the 1950s to the 1970s, can be rented by care homes and other organizations for two weeks at a cost of $75, with an additional $25 fee for a one-week extension. Visit to book your kit.
Teacher resources
Teachers can access a variety of resources, including information packages and field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit for more information.
History album
The museum’s history album tells Saskatchewan’s story through the experiences of families, small towns, and community organizations across the province. To view the album, visit .
Birthday parties
The museum may just be the perfect venue for your child’s upcoming birthday party. For a fee of only $200, children ages five to eight can experience a two-hour transportation-themed party, and up to seven friends are included in the price. You can book by calling the museum at 306-693-5989.
Volunteering
The WDM is always looking for volunteers to help make programming, summer events, and numerous specialized roles at the museum possible. During regular volunteer intakes, volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones will give a facility tour, review safety protocols, and match opportunities to volunteers’ skills and interests.
- Next volunteer orientations: Contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 for more information.
The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the summer, excluding statutory holidays.
For more information, visit or reach out to the museum's program and volunteer co-ordinator, Alexis Jones, at 306-693-5989 or by email at [email protected].
The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.
