The St. Paul Museum was full of music, food, familiar faces and local history last Sunday as the Peoples’ Museum Society of St. Paul & District hosted an open house to celebrate recent improvements to the site.

The upgrades were supported through a $32,000 Community Facility Enhancement Program grant from the province, helping fund new storm windows, heating improvements, additional electrical service and enhanced security features.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr attended the event and said the investment helps protect an important community asset.

“Together, these investments are helping ensure the museum can continue preserving and sharing our region’s history,” Cyr said.

Provincial support for museum improvements

The latest funding builds on previous provincial support for the museum.

In 2025, an $85,000 CFEP grant helped support the relocation and restoration of the historic Willingdon CPR Station, which officially opened to the public this year.

The museum site is home to both the Musée Historique de St. Paul Historical Museum and the Peoples’ Museum Society of St. Paul & District.

Together, the organizations preserve stories tied to First Nations history, the Winnipeg Trail, the fur trade, agriculture and the many cultures and industries that helped shape northeastern Alberta.

New displays highlight regional stories

Visitors had the chance to explore several new and updated displays during the open house, including the Hommage au Musicos Tribute, Project Balado Découverte, Historical Train Dioramas and the Carpenter’s Tools of Old exhibit.

Cyr said the displays help bring local history to life.

“These displays help tell the stories of the people, industries, and communities that helped shape the history of the St. Paul region,” he said.

The updated Ukrainian Cultural Display was also highlighted as an important reflection of the region’s cultural heritage.

Community support on display

The museum grounds were busy throughout the afternoon, with visitors taking in exhibits, enjoying live music and sharing food with friends and neighbours.

County of St. Paul Councillor Gerald Michaud was also in attendance.

Cyr thanked the volunteers, board members, staff, donors and supporters who continue to keep the museum active.

“Your dedication, generosity, and countless hours of hard work are what make the St. Paul Museum such a valuable community asset,” Cyr said.

Small-town hospitality

The afternoon also included a meal prepared by volunteers, featuring bison burgers and Saskatoon berry barbecue sauce.

Cyr joked during his remarks that he was looking forward to trying one of the Dairy Queen Dilly Bars being served at the event.

“Sure enough, the moment I finished speaking, someone tracked me down and handed me a Dilly Bar,” he said. “That’s small-town Alberta at its finest.”

For organizers and visitors, the open house was both a celebration of recent improvements and a reminder of the museum’s role in keeping local history alive for future generations.