City of Prince Albert and Prince Albert Historical Society Sign New Support Agreement

Prince Albert, SK – The City of Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Historical Society have signed a new ten-year Support Agreement, effective January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2035. This agreement replaces the former Memorandum of Agreement (2009) and continues the City’s long-standing partnership with the Historical Society, rooted in a shared commitment to preserving Prince Albert’s rich heritage.

The City’s collaboration with the Historical Society traces back more than a century. In 1923, concerned citizens gathered in the office of then-Mayor T.C. Davis to discuss the creation of a historical association. Within three months, the Prince Albert Historical Society was formally established. 

In 1931–32, the Honourable J.F. Bryant, a former Prince Albert resident, donated the northwest corner of Bryant Park to be designated as the “Historical Corner.” Control of the park was later transferred to the City, and discussions soon followed between the Historical Society, the City, and the Province to relocate the Nisbet Church to the site as a museum. The City supported the initiative, allowing both the church and a historic blockhouse to remain on the site—structures fondly remembered as part of Prince Albert’s cultural landscape.

A major milestone in the partnership came in 1975, when the City approved the conversion of the Central Firehall into a museum, marking the formal beginning of the agreement that continues to guide the City’s support for the Historical Society today.

This new Support Agreement modernizes and strengthens that foundation, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and continued collaboration between the City and the Historical Society. It reaffirms a shared commitment to preserving Prince Albert’s heritage and ensures that future generations can continue to learn from and engage with the community’s collective history.

Key components of the new agreement include:

• The Prince Albert Historical Society will no longer be considered an external agency for annual grant funding. Instead, the grant will become a line item within the Parks, Recreation and Culture Division budget, with a 3.5% annual increase.
• This funding supports the retention of the Museums Manager/Curator position as well as the Historical Society’s ongoing operations.
• The City of Prince Albert will continue to provide maintenance and in-kind support to all four museums:
  • Prince Albert Historical Museum
  • John & Olive Diefenbaker Museum
  • Evolution of Education Museum
  • Police & Corrections Museum
• The Historical Society will continue to operate all four museums, offering diverse community engagement opportunities, educational programming, and leadership in heritage preservation.
• The City will continue to provide annual funding for summer interpreters (museum summer students).

“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.

"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, Prince Albert Historical Society.

For more information, contact:
Judy MacLeod Campbell
Arts & Culture Division Manager, City of Prince Albert
P: 306.765.1275
E: jmacleodcampbell@citypa.com

Michelle Taylor
Manger/Curator, Prince Albert Historical Society
P: 306-764-2992
E: curator@historypa.com