MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) has announced its lineup of programs for the month of May.
Upcoming events
- : Set to take place on Sunday, May 25, and running from 2 to 3 p.m., guests are invited to join the museum for an historical journey to discover what it was like to be a Chinese immigrant leaving a war-torn country in the hope of establishing a new life in a foreign land. The presentation will be led by Florence Hwang, who has a background in history, journalism, and archives. The event is free to attend and regular admission applies to tour the museum galleries.
- Museum Day: Set to take place on Wednesday, May 28, registered students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited for a special visit to learn about Saskatchewan’s history with some hands-on learning by churning butter, typing on mechanical typewriters, and treadling sewing machines. They will also meet museum volunteers who will demonstrate their knowledge of activities from long ago.
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 pick up an activity sheet from the front desk and search the museum to find artifacts and toys featured in the photos, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the month of May.
- : Michif is a Métis language made with around 80 per cent French and 20 per cent Cree, and contains only 24 letters — excluding x and q. Guests are invited to search the museum for select artifacts and find the Michif translation. This will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the month of May.
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: There are no upcoming courses at this time.
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.
- Upcoming train schedule: The Short Line 101 is now operational and should kick off the season on or around the May long weekend.
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.
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.
For more information, visit or reach out to Alexis Jones, the museum's program and volunteer co-ordinator at 306-693-5989 or by email at [email protected].
The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.
