The South Peace Centennial Museum is the largest — and only working — steam powered farm equipment museum in Alberta. The museum started as a hobby of Ted McLean who had a deep-seated love for the steam engine. This interest prompted him to start collecting old farm machinery and to restore them to their original operating condition. The first open house was in Canada’s Centennial Year, 1967. With the help of many neighbors from the surrounding community, what started out as a threshing demonstration turned out to be the first Pioneer Day. A sawmill demonstration, home-made ice cream making, grinding of flour, and the operation of various vintage tractors was held.
Since 1974 the museum has seen extensive development. The collection has grown to the point where 15 buildings are required to house the displays. Buildings such as Circle Bank Hall and the Two Rivers School are historic structures that have been moved to the site for display. The museum is open daily through the summer months, but Pioneer Days is very special: it features all the working steam-powered equipment, antique cars and trucks, and musical entertainment in keeping with the agricultural theme the third weekend in July. The museum is conveniently located so that all can stop, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy a day of history with a very personal touch.
To go to the South Peace Centennial Museum website, click on following link: southpeacemuseum.com Or visit their facebook page: facebook.com/southpeacemuseum South Peace Centennial Museum also has unserviced camp grounds available. Please check out the South Peace Centennial Museum website for updates on our activities.