Climb inside a wagon? You don't need to ask us twice.
While at Four Mile Historic Park we came upon this covered wagon. The kids immediately climbed inside to look around.
The wagon had the accouterments those who drove those wagons across the Plains and through the mountains of Colorado would store for the trip.
Denver's Four Mile Historic Park showed us much of what life in Colorado in the 19th Century was like.
#coveredwagon #Colorado #fourmilehistoricpark #familytravel #pioneers
Say Her Name.
Gladys West,
a largely-unheralded black woman who passed away at the age of 95 on January 17, 2026.
Her scientific contributions enabled us to understand geodesy and the shape of the Earth well enough to make GPS technology possible
#sayhername #science #pioneers #womenshistory #WomenInSTEM #women
#KnowledgeByte: #Healthcare is one of the fields which has seen remarkable progress in last few centuries - based on different discoveries and inventions by the #Pioneers of the field.
Here is a list of some of these pioneers and their contributions. #HerosOfMedicine
https://knowledgezone.co.in/posts/Heroes-of-Medicine-659badd2b5fad7c7b2e139fc
Hype for the Future 8D: Madonna of the Trail Statues
Within the twelve (12) states containing the Madonna of the Trail statues, historical interest often occurs with the celebration of pioneer women across the region and beyond. Derived from the National Old Trails Road, the twelve Madonna of the Trail statues relate to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to promote the celebration of the historically marginalized groups, not just women. The twelve states, from east to west, with the National Old Trails Road (and […]https://novatopflex.wordpress.com/2025/11/08/hype-for-the-future-8d-madonna-of-the-trail-statues/
Maple Creek’s Intriguing Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre
The first shipment of cattle from western Canada left Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, for eastern markets in 1884. Thereafter, the town became known as “The Old Cowtown of Maple Creek.”
Today, Maple Creek’s location just twenty minutes from the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, along with its old west history, make it an important Saskatchewan destination. And the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre museum does a fabulous job of archiving its intriguing history.
Hudson’s Bay Company jug, western boots, buffalo coat, and shot dispenser (centre box with holes) for dispensing different size shot pellets when making shot gun shells. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
My favorite spot in the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre Museum was where we started our tour in The Old West Room.
Charlie Russell collection of prints along with vintage saddles. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.It’s home to a bright, dynamic collection of painting prints by Charlie Russell. The room also contains a collection of vintage saddles donated by local ranchers.
The 110 piece collection was put together by Rodger Newby, a rancher in the Maple Creek area.
Over the years Newby had collected the prints from vintage calendars and magazines. Then, he framed them.
Charlie (C.M. Russell or Charles Marion Russell) was born in 1864 in St. Louis, Missouri. In the 1880s he traveled west to Montana, where his first painting was commissioned in 1885 by a saloon owner in Utica.
Russell created more than 2000 paintings of cowboys, Native Americans, and landscapes set in the western U.S. and Canada, before passing away in 1926 at the age of 62.
Pin me! Fast Fact: Ranching in southwest Saskatchewan got established after 1882/83. Why? Indigenous peoples were moved from the area to reservations. As well, the North West Mounted Police or NWMP, (forerunners of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP) headquarters moved from Fort Walsh in the Cypress Hills to Regina. Division "A" headquarters were established near Maple Creek on the newly constructed C.P.R. rail-line. ~Jasper Cultural & Historical CentreWhat’s in the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre?
The Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre is located in the former Jasper Street School. It was built in two sections, 1910 and 1914, using local bricks. After being closed as a school in 1986, it opened as a museum on July 1, 1988.
Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre Museum in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.Today, the museum provides around 20,000 sq. feet of exhibition, meeting, and programming space. Ceilings are still finished with the original molded-tin and hardwood floors. You can almost see children rushing up the well-worn stairs and through the long hallways.
Fast Fact: The museum has an Eaton's Beauty doll from 1908 in its original dress. Cost at the time was $1. This beauty doll was one of the first dolls that closed its eyes when it was laid down. ~ Jasper Cultural & Historical CentreThe museum is divided into a number of smaller galleries beginning with the original Fleming Collection. The Fleming collection was from Irvine and Phoebe (Tootsie) Fleming. They were local ranchers who had originally displayed the collection on their ranch.
Now, the Ranch House Room is set up with artifacts from the 19th century.
Household items including a wood stove, collection of sad irons, copper pots and kettles, dishes, butter press, and more. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.More Galleries & Rooms
Altogether there are nearly 20 different galleries and rooms covering different periods in Maple Creek and area history, as well as art collections. They’re organized by theme, ranging from a NWMP room to a Victorian Parlour with a dining table originally from the NWMP “A” Division Barracks.
Fast Fact: The museum has the skull of a Plains Grizzly shot in the 1800s in Southern Saskatchewan. It is often accepted that they were wiped out at about that time. However, rumours of Grizzly Bear sightings from the 1930s and 1960s are documented. ~ Jasper Cultural & Historical CentreWith our family history of rodeo, we spent a lot of time going through the Bert Ingram Rodeo Room. It included information about regional rodeos, the cowboys, and the rodeo stock providers.
Moving on, the Boardwalk Room contained many artifacts from the Dixon Brothers’ Department Store.
The cash register built in 1885 was one of my favorites!
The People
The strength of local museums is always in the histories of those who built the community.
From the Post Office Room with artifacts donated by 1976 to 1986 postmaster, Bill Colquhoun, to the Geraldine Moodie (first professional female photographer working east of Winnipeg and into the Arctic) Women’s Gallery, to the Michel Oxarart Western Gallery (Oxarart was the first official rancher in the Cypress Hills area), its a history rich in story.
Pin me! Fast Fact: Molly Smith arrived in Fort Walsh in the 1870s after making her way from St. Louis to Fort Benton following the Civil War. She left a life of slavery behind her, working as part of a bull-train then establishing a laundry outside the Fort. As well as working as a domestic and nanny, Molly operated a legendary bootlegging business. She even designed a special bra and bustle to smuggle bottles of liquor! Eventually, she was caught, fined, and put in jail in Maple Creek. However, that didn't alter her quick-wit to survive! ~ Jasper Cultural & Historical CentreLinda’s Road Trip Tips
Maple Creek is located a few miles south of the Trans-Canada Highway in southwest Saskatchewan. It’s a great day-trip destination.
Maple Street in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.These are some of my favorite places to check out in town:
We also recommend the Jasper Lounge & Liquor Store for a cold one or meal. It’s the oldest tavern in Saskatchewan with 120 years of history!
Who Should Visit Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre?
The Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre Museum is a must-see stop for those interested in how the “west was won” in late 1800s Saskatchewan.
Grieta Krisjansons sculpture from her Wilder Art Studio. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.Ranching was a hard life, and the museum explores the lives of cowboys and the women who managed the ranch house.
Due to the arrival of train service in early 1883, just months after it reached the capital city, Regina, the area was settled early in Saskatchewan’s history.
Displays are spacious, so there’s lots of room to see and explore. Historic information is provided about each grouping of artifacts, along with many individually identified items.
The museum has an elevator and stairs between the floors.
We spent a couple of hours in the museum. However, those who have less familiarity with ranching and rodeo will likely need longer.
How Do You Visit the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre Museum?
Maple Creek is around 100 km from Medicine Hat, Alberta, just a few minutes from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Parking: There's lots of free parking on Jasper Street.Street Location: 311 Jasper Street, Maple Creek.
The museum is open year-round. Check the days and hours at the Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre website.
Learn more about the museum and keep up to date with what’s happening on the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre Facebook page.
Take a virtual tour of the museum with The Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre video on YouTube.
Or, check out the opening for the Geraldine Moodie Women’s Gallery on YouTube.
More Places to See in Saskatchewan
Check out all of guide2museum.com’s reviews of museums in Saskatchewan.
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Maple Creek’s Intriguing Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre
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#Canada #cowboys #history #lifestyles #museums #pioneers #Saskatchewan #TransCanadaHwy #travel
Inside the Cattle Raisers Museum: Fort Worth, Texas
Visit Fort Worth, Texas, to explore all aspects of raising cattle in the Southwest United States. The Cattle Raisers Museum, located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, shows how cattle ranching shaped the economy, culture, and landscapes of Texas and at least 20 other states.
Longhorn cattle display in the Cattle Raisers Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
I lived on a cattle ranch for many years — in fact, a few of my books for YA readers are about driving cattle in the old west.
Buy Amazon audiobook or ebook.So, I found all the history interesting — but the I’m in What display jumped out as my favorite.
It was full of fascinating pieces of information!
Beef at the grocery store, of course, is the main thing we get from cattle.
Its essential nutrients include protein, iron, B-vitamins and others.
More than 2/3 of beef at the store meet government guidelines for lean.
However, there’s a lot more as I learned. Uses can be edible by-products or inedible by-products or medical by-products. How many by-product uses can you name?
What are some important by-products of beef?Beef by-products are found in hospitals and drug stores. Where? Collagen from beef hides is used in medical applications for such things as wound dressings, burn ointments, surgical sutures, and tissue regeneration. Ground beef-derived materials are also used for biomedical research, dental fillings, and some orthopedic products like bone screws. Wow! Who knew?
As well, medical by-products include more than 100 individual drugs!
Got allergies or are diabetic? Insulin, vaccines, and allergy medications have traditionally used beef by-products. Indeed, it takes the pancreases from 26 cattle to provide enough insulin to keep one diabetic person alive for a year.
Beef by-products are also used in firecrackers! Indeed, beef collagen-based casings or binders can replace or supplement traditional materials like white clay or paper tubes. Why? They provide moisture resistance and durability, so they protect the firecracker’s explosive powders until ignition.
When you’re washing your face, you may be using another important beef by-product. It’s called beef tallow, which is rendered from beef fat. This ingredient moisturizes and nourishes the skin with natural vitamins like A, D, E, and K. It also contains natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that reduce skin irritation and promote clearer skin.
Beef fats yield oleo stock and oleo oil used for margarine and shortening. Oleo stearin is used in making chewing gum and some candies.
Gelatin produced from bones and skins is used in marshmallows, ice cream, canned meats, and gelatin desserts!
And here are a few more uses:
How many uses did you list? This is just a starter list, so you may have found lots of the additional ones listed on this PDF from Iowa State Extension and Outreach.
Bronze statue called Old Blue, 1995, by George Carlson. Gift to the museum from Anne W. Marion. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.What’s in the Cattle Raisers Museum?
The Cattle Raisers Museum occupies around 10,000 square feet. It’s located on the second floor of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History in the Cultural District.
Fast Fact: Four out of every five people in the Southwest U.S. live in cities occupying 15% of the land. Of the remaining 85% of land in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, more than half is used for raising nearly 18 million cattle. ~ Cattle Raisers MuseumVisitors explore history in three main chronological sections:
There are interactive galleries with video storytelling and holograms that I found very engaging. After all, I haven’t met many animated talking cattle! Artifacts include things like saddles, spurs, western hats, tools, and rare photographs. Floor-to-ceiling informational panels provide tons of information.
The Western Trail information panel in the Cattle Raisers Museum. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.Linda’s Road Trip Tips
When you visit the Cattle Raisers Museum, try to leave enough time to visit the other travel attractions in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.
Pin me!We did the Cowgirl Museum and the Science and History Museum, which gave us a discount for doing both on the same day.
If you want to rest your feet between visiting the museums, stop at the Exhibit Cafe in the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The Texas 2 Step plate was tasty!
Who Should Visit the Cattle Raisers Museum?
The Cattle Raisers Museum will be of interest to anyone involved in ranching or farming, past or present. It’s also a great place to get an understanding of how the cattle industry has impacted the history of the Southwest.
Fast Fact: Ranching and doing cattle drives wasn't just the domain of men in the southwest. For example, in 1873, a widow, Margaret Borland, drove her herd of 2,500 head up the Chisholm Trai from Victoria, Texas, to Kansas. In 1888, Willie Matthews, 19, disguised herself as a boy and worked the trail to Colorado for four months undetected. During the Civil War, small ranches were maintained by the wives and daughers of absent soldiers. ~ Cattle Raisers MuseumWe spent an hour going through the museum, but I was already familiar with a lot of the history. If it’s your first Texas visit or if you know little about ranching, allow at least double that time.
Leonard Stiles Branding Iron Collection — Selected Highlights. Photo by Linda Aksomitis.While there are some fun interactives, kids 10+ will likely find the museum more interesting than younger children.
The museum is wheelchair and handicapped accessible. There are some wheelchairs available for guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Do You Visit the Cattle Raisers Museum?
The Cattle Raisers Museum is easy to find in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.
Parking: There's lots of paid parking available in the Cultural District. Closest parking is in the Museum Lot located at the northeast corner of Montgomery Street and Harley Avenue, adjacent to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.Street Address: 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, Texas, on the 2nd Floor of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
The museum is open year-round, but you can check days and hours open on the Cattle Raisers Museum website.
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening at the museum with the Cattle Raisers Museum Facebook page.
Take a virtual tour with this Cattle Raisers Museum video on YouTube.
Plan your visit with Google maps.
Pin me!More Texas Museum Reviews
Check out more of our reviews for museums in Texas.
More History Museums
Amazing Giant Bison, Beaver, Mammoths & More: Yukon Beringia Museum in Whitehorse
Fick Fossil & History Museum: Buffalo Bill to Prehistoric Fish in Oakley, Kansas
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum: Simi Valley, California
National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame: Cowgirl history in Fort Worth, Texas
Bell Barn Museum: Historic Round Barn in Indian Head, Sskatchewan
Texas Seaport Museum: Gulf Coast History in Galveston, Texas
Jefferson Historical Museum in Big Cypress Bayou: Jefferson, Texas
Mystic Seaport Museum: Historic Seafaring Village in Mystic, Connecticut
Range Riders Museum: Old West Lives Again in Miles City, Montana
#cowboys #history #lifestyles #museums #oldWest #pioneers #Texas #travel #US_
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