History Book
In 2005, a call went out to create a history of Bashaw, which would enhance the earlier publication called, Beautiful Fields (1974). After six years of hard work and dedication, a two volume history book, Bashaw & District: Over 100 Years of Memories, was launched in the Fall of 2010 by a committee of 30 members.
Tour History Through Town
As well, the Town created a 14-point historical walk complete with commemorative plaques and a guidebook. Twelve community members were inducted into the Hall of Fame that was launched in 2004. Statues were commissioned honouring several local community members.
The End of the Rope
In 2011, a full-scale dramatic production was put on in partnership with The Historical Society and performed to sold-out audiences. The production was The End of the Rope, which focused on Robert Raymond Cook, the last man hanged in Alberta. After an intense local manhunt in 1057, Cook was held in Bashaw’s jail, which now serves as a museum. The End of the Rope was also taken to the Edmonton Fringe Festival.
Bashaw Historical Society
In 2012, the previously existing Bashaw Lakeside Museum Society (whose mandate was to operate the local museum in the original 1911 fire hall building) amalgamated with the Bashaw Historical Society to continue to honour and preserve our past.
The Bashaw Historical Society meets monthly and continues to be a presence in the community.
During the summer, the Society employs students to keep the museum open to the public. Weekly children’s programs offer historic crafts and activities on a drop-in basis. We also host school visits and participate in the annual Prairie Fun Days held throughout Camrose County. In 2014, the Society built and inaugurated a gazebo to house our 1957 International Fire Truck.
Our community is vibrant because of the over 40 local volunteer organizations. The Bashaw Historical Society is proud to be part of this vibrancy. We treasure our citizens, both past and present. We are particularly excited to be part of Ben Wilson’s video project. The legacy that this project will leave to the town and community of Bashaw is of tremendous value..
Our membership sits at approximately ten members. We would love to have more members!
If you want to learn more about the Bashaw Historical Society, you can contact Glen Weins at 780-372-2245.
