The City of Prince Albert has formalized a new long-term commitment to heritage preservation, signing a 10-year Support Agreement with the Prince Albert Historical Society that will guide municipal funding and collaboration through 2035. The agreement, effective January 1, 2026, replaces a 2009 memorandum and marks the latest chapter in a partnership that has shaped the city’s cultural landscape for more than a century.
The Historical Society, founded in 1923, has played a central role in preserving Prince Albert’s archives, historic buildings, and museum collections. Its origins can be traced to a meeting convened by then-Mayor T.C. Davis, where residents expressed concern about the need to protect the region’s history. Within months, the organization was formally established, laying the groundwork for decades of joint efforts between the Society and the City.
Throughout the 20th century, that partnership expanded as new heritage sites were identified and restored. In 1931–32, the Honourable J.F. Bryant donated a parcel of land on the northwest corner of Bryant Park to establish a “Historical Corner.” Subsequent discussions among the City, the Society, and the Province led to the relocation of the Nisbet Church and a historic blockhouse to the site—structures that became prominent landmarks for generations of Prince Albert residents.
A major milestone came in 1975, when the City approved the conversion of the Central Firehall into a museum. That decision formalized municipal support for museum operations and set the framework for agreements that continue to guide the relationship today.
The newly signed Support Agreement modernizes that framework, outlining governance, funding, and operational commitments designed to ensure stability and transparency for both the City and the Historical Society. City officials say the agreement strengthens long-term planning and reinforces the importance of heritage preservation in community development.
Under the new terms, the Historical Society will no longer be classified as an external agency for the purposes of annual grant funding. Instead, its grant will be embedded as a line item within the Parks, Recreation and Culture Division’s operating budget. The funding will increase annually by 3.5 per cent, supporting core functions such as staffing the Museums Manager/Curator role and maintaining year-round operations.
The agreement also maintains the City’s responsibility to provide maintenance and in-kind support for all four museums operated by the Society: the Prince Albert Historical Museum, the John & Olive Diefenbaker Museum, the Evolution of Education Museum, and the Police & Corrections Museum. The City will continue to fund summer museum interpreters, enabling seasonal programming and visitor services.
Municipal officials highlighted the ongoing contributions of the Historical Society, particularly its leadership in developing exhibits, archives, and community programming.
“I commend the Prince Albert Historical Society for their outstanding work operating the four museums in our city. They continue to improve and adapt in ways that engage our community and encourage tourism. Examples include the Kistapinânihk/Omaniciye Makoca/Tł’ogh tëlë/The Gathering Place permanent exhibit, curriculum-based school programming, special events and free admission days, use of the tearoom and deck for summer lunch opportunities, management of the Bill Smiley Archives, and so much more,” said Judy MacLeod Campbell, Arts and Culture Manager for the City of Prince Albert.
The Historical Society, which oversees collections documenting the region’s political, cultural, and social history, said the long-term agreement will help strengthen the city’s museum system and maintain Prince Albert’s reputation as a hub for heritage education.
“Our four museums bring that history to life. They are more than buildings — they are classrooms for our young people, destinations for our visitors, and gathering places for our community. This new multi-year agreement with the City of Prince Albert is a testament to partnership and vision. It was made possible by the dedication of city staff, managers, and Council members who share our belief that history matters — and that it deserves to be nurtured and sustained,” said Michael Gange, President of the Prince Albert Historical Society.
With the agreement now in place through 2035, both organizations say the decade ahead will focus on strengthening public engagement, expanding educational opportunities, and ensuring that the city’s museums remain accessible and preserved for future generations.