Mission

Our community-centred approach and our commitment to reflecting the world around us deepen the sense of belonging for our communities. 

Vision

As the heart of our community, our dynamic energy is the spark for curiosity, compassion and connection. 

Values

• Working with our communities, we steward and share stories. 

• We believe trust is at the foundation of strong, positive relationships, with each other and with our communities. 

• We work in service of our communities, listening and being accountable for our actions. 

• We approach our work with courage, embracing innovation and adaptability. 

• We continually work toward sustainability and holistically consider our practices from cultural, health, financial, environmental and social perspectives. 

The Galt is well respected in Alberta's museum community, has a growing national profile and is committed to international museum standards. The archives contain an extensive collection of information on the human history of Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta. Today, the museum cares for well over 17,000 artifacts and more than 1 million archival documents and photographs. These collections continue to grow.

The history of Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta can be explored through the Galt's rotating world-class exhibits, special events, and school and community programs. The Galt Museum Store offers visitors a selection of historic publications and other unique local and retro gifts. Volunteers donate their time and talents to enhance the work of museum staff.

Gardens

In addition to numerous walking trails and interpretive signage, the Museum Grounds include two gardens created in partnership with two community groups: The Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society and the Galt School of Nursing Alumnae Association. The South Garden is made possible by additional community support.

The Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society began planting a Garden of Native Prairie Plants containing over 40 species of native plants in September 2008 to be ready for its 2009 Centennial Celebration. Designed by Lethbridge-based horticulturalist June Flanagan, it is appealing in all four seasons and features:

• a variety of wildflowers, grasses and woody plants

• attractive flowers through the growing season

• autumn leaf colour, seed heads, fruit and interesting bark

The plants are placed similar to how they would grow in the river valley: shade tolerant species on the slope against the north wall of the museum, the most drought tolerant species on the steep, southwest-facing slope.

Governance

The Galt is one of the Boards and Commissions of the City of Lethbridge. We are governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community volunteers who are appointed by City Council. The Galt Board of Directors oversees the Galt's objectives and operating policies and serve as a link to the community.

2024 Board of Directors

Jesse Sadlowski, Chair
Gerald Heibert, Vice Chair
Hannah Furgeson, Treasurer
Karen Pheasant–Neganigwane
Drew Gillespie
Adam Whitford
Laura Branner
Dennis Fitzpatrick

Ex-officio members: 

Dr. Glenn Coulter Chair, Friends of the Galt Society
Ginger Arthur Ciesla, Recording Secretary

Staff

The Friends of the Galt

The Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives is registered under the Societies Act of Alberta as a non-profit group. The Friends promote public support of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives, undertake fundraising initiatives, receive donations and sponsor events, all designed to foster a greater awareness and appreciation of the Galt. The funds raised are directed to educational programs at the Galt.

Using the entire Galt Museum & Archives and Fort Whoop-Up as the classroom, a qualified teacher enlivens history for visiting student groups. Working closely with teachers in the region, the Alberta curriculum is incorporated in presentations. The sometimes forgotten history of Indigenous Peoples is given voice in the Galt’s programs.

In 2009, the Friends Society Board and the Galt Museum & Archives' Board jointly established the “Friends of the Galt Endowment Fund” through the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. Contributions to the Endowment Fund are permanently invested in perpetuity with subsequent earnings used to support the Galt’s programs in the future. Donors are eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt for their donation.

Currently the Friends Board is managed by nine community members and supported by a number of Galt staff. Various fundraising events have been hosted including dinners with an outstanding speaker, winter barn dances, five Valentine’s teas, two speaker series, a raffle and others. The funds have supported bussing students from their school to the Galt and back to school, materials for use in educational programs, a mural in the Galt’s classroom, an outdoor irrigation exhibit and many more.

If you have an interest in supporting the Galt, consider joining the Friends of the Galt Museum. You can contact us through email or by dropping a line to us at PO Box 321, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Y7.

 Awards

• Award of Outstanding Achievement for Stewardship of Collections, Canadian Museums Association, 2021

• GLAMi Award winner for automated teacher booking program, MuseWeb, 2020

• Award for Excellence in Museums Finalist, Governor General's History Awards, 2016

• Leadership Award for Engagement, Alberta Museums Association, 2013

• 5 Blooms for the Native Prairie Plants Garden at Galt Museum, Communities in Bloom, 2012

• Community Organization Award, The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Aboriginal Awareness Week Planning Committee, 2011

• Marketing Excellence Award for Auschwitz: The Eva Brewster Story, Chinook Country Toursit Association, 2007

• Programming Award in the Exhibits Category for Auschwitz: The Eva Brewster Story, Alberta Museums Association, 2007

• Collections Award in Collections Management for Operation Homecoming, Alberta Museums Association, 2007

• Change and Innovation Award, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, 2007

• Museums and Society Award for Year of the Coalminer, Alberta Museums Association, 2005

• Marketing Excellence Award Finalist for Year of the Coalminer, Alberta Tourism Marketing Awards, 2004

• Marketing Partnership Award Finalist for Year of the Coalminer, Alberta Tourism Marketing Awards, 2004

• Tourism Partnership Initiative Award for Year of the Coalminer, Chinook Country Tourist Association, 2004

• Programming–Exhibits Award for Akaitapiiwa–Ancestors Exhibit, Alberta Museums Association, 2003

• Award of Merit for "History on Tap" program, Alberta Museums Association, 1991