MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) will have fewer program options throughout the month of January as museum staff work primarily behind the scenes, however the museum will remain open as it welcomes in the new year.
Upcoming events
- Community Heritage Day: The WDM will be inviting different community heritage groups to the museum to set up a table and speak with curious guests. Volunteers will also be called on to help with old typewriter demonstrations, butter making, and similar heritage projects on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum. If you’re interested in registering a booth for the event, contact programs co-ordinator Alexis Jones at [email protected].
- Smarter Science, Better Buildings: The Saskatchewan Environmental Society has partnered with the WDM to offer a two-hour program for Grade 7 students. The program features six workstations exploring energy efficiency and water conservation methods. Students will spend one hour at the workstations and another hour exploring the museum’s galleries to compare historical and modern building techniques. The program runs for three weeks starting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and schools must book in advance by contacting Jones at [email protected].
- Bus subsidy: Schools that register before Friday, Feb. 7 will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a bus subsidy for the event.
- Smarter Science, Better Buildings open house: The public is then invited to a free open house on Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to explore the workstations.
Seek and find
The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet and visitors search through the galleries for clues that can be found on interpretation signs or display cases. .
- Winter Vehicles Way Up Close seek and find: Guests can seek out winter vehicles given a close-up image of each one from Jan. 2 to 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 75th Anniversary seek and find: Guests can find the answers to 12 questions about the history of the WDM from Jan. 2 to Jan 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courses and workshops
Several educational courses are offered seasonally and teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction engine operation, with certificates typically earned on completion.
- Upcoming courses: An introductory blacksmithing course is being offered at the corporate office in Saskatoon from Jan. 10 to 12 for $525 for participants aged 16 and over. The course is fully booked but you can join a cancellation waiting list by contacting the museum. There are two additional intakes on the waiting list starting on Feb. 7 and again on March 7.
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 piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive.
- Upcoming train schedule: The Short Line 101 is finished running for the winter season.
Reminiscence Kits
The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. Containing day-to-day artifacts from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, these kits can be rented by care homes and other organizations over two weeks for $75 and an additional $25 for a one-week extension. Visit to book your kit.
Teacher resources
Several resources are available to teachers from information packages to field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit for more information.
History album
The museum’s history album tells the story of Saskatchewan’s past though the stories of families, small towns, and community organizations across the province. To view the album, visit .
Birthday parties
The museum . 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. At the museum’s regular volunteer intakes, volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones will provide a tour of the facility, review safety protocols, and find suitable opportunities for everyone’s training and interests.
- Next volunteer orientations: Wednesday, Jan. 8, starting at 10 a.m., and again on Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 10 a.m.
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’s winter hours are in effect starting Jan. 6, and the museum and gift shop will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding Mondays and statutory holidays when the WDM will be closed.
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.
