The perfect opportunity to reflect and remember Calgary’s unique heritage is coming up this Friday, as Historic Calgary Week runs from July 25th to August 4th. This is the 24th annual celebration of our city’s history, presented by the Chinook Country Historical Society.
Over 60 events will be taking place around our city for the next week, most of which are free, and include things like walks, talks, concerts, community and museum visits, and so much more. There are lots of events to take in all week, but here’s a highlight for each day:
Friday, July 25
Take a guided tour of Stephen Avenue and the historic architecture on this iconic strip, with architect Lorne Simpson.
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Entrance to Hyatt Hotel on Stephen Avenue
Saturday, July 26
Take a guided tour of the Currie Barracks and see where the troops worked and lived, hosted by architect James Reid.
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Where: 2953 Battleford Avenue SW
Sunday, July 27
Tour the iconic century-old C.C. Snowdon building in Ramsay, with developer Neil Richardson. This is one of the oldest industrial buildings in our city.
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 2010 – 11 Street SE
Monday, July 28
Listen to historian Doug Coats tell the stories of Calgary’s 20 oldest houses, that are still standing!
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Central Library (616 MacLeod Trail SE)
Tuesday, July 29
Take a guided tour of historic Chinatown.
Time: 10:00 am to 11:40 am
Where: Centre Street South (Chinatown)
Wednesday, July 30
Take a tour of the historic Lougheed House garden, with head gardener, Marie Gattinger.
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Lougheed House (1717 – 13 Avenue SW)
Thursday, July 31
Explore the history of the Bow Valley Ranch at Fish Creek Provincial Park, with a guided tour.
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: The red barn at Bow Valley Ranch (15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE)
Friday, August 1
Listen to the songs inspired by Calgary’s colourful history and the stories behind them.
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: National Music Centre (134 – 11 Avenue SE)
Saturday, August 2
Take the ‘ice age’ tour of Nose Hill Park, and explore six million years of history with paleontologist Cory Gross.
Time: 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Where: Nose Hill parking lot on 64 Avenue and 14 Street NW
Sunday, August 3
Take guided tours of the iconic Knox United Church, celebrating 101 years.
Time: 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Where: Knox United Church (6 Avenue and 4 Street SW)
Monday, August 4
Enjoy free admission all day for Heritage Day at Fort Calgary.
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Fort Calgary (750 – 9 Avenue SE)
To find the full list of Historic Week Calgary events and schedules, visit the Chinook Country Historical Society online.
