The Historical Society of Alberta has been making a positive contribution to this province since March 15, 1907, Its founding father was Alexander C. Rutherford, premier of the province, who also founded the University of Alberta, and for a number of years Society meetings were held on the University campus. D.R. Babcock, Rutherford' s biographer, wrote: "His personal stamp is most evident in the educational and cultural institutions his government established: the public school system, the University of Alberta, the public libraries, the Historical Society of Alberta." Rutherford remained president of the Society for thirty-two years, presiding at virtually every meeting until ill health forced him to retire.

During its long history, the Society has achieved many goals. It has attracted such speakers as the Hen. Frank Oliver, Chief Justice Horace Harvey, former Premier Richard G. Reid, and many pioneers, academics, and literary figures. During and after the 1940s, the Society had a representative on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, which was responsible for preserving many historical landmarks in Alberta. It also has had representations on the Alberta Geographical Names Board, and a host of other heritage organizations and was a party to the drafting of the first heritage legislation for Alberta.

During the 1950s, its stated aims were to promote Alberta's history, to see the rebuilding of Fort Edmonton, the erection of highway signs, the preservation of trading post sites, the collection of manuscripts, and obtaining the reminiscences of pioneers. All of these aims, in one form or another, have been realized.

A major accomplishment of the Society was to launch the quarterly publication, Alberta Historical Review, in 1953. It was renamed Alberta History in 1975, and has remained one of the leading journals in Canada, combining both academic and popular history.

The Historical Society of Alberta was Edmonton-based until 1958, when it expanded to Calgary, and then to Lethbridge in 1961. Since then, it has further expanded its programs to Red Deer, representing Central Alberta. The four groups are known as HSA chapters: Central Alberta Historical Society, Chinook Country Historical Society, Edmonton & District Historical Society, and Lethbridge Historical Society. The HSA also maintains its office in Calgary with a largely volunteer staff. It still remains dedicated to the preservation and promotion of all of Alberta's rich history.

Enjoy reading about Alberta's rich past in our publications. Over 50 titles have been published or sponsored by the HSA's Alberta Resources Publication Board (ARPB) or the HSA chapters.

The Historical Society of Alberta office is located in the heart of Calgary's downtown in the historic Lancaster Building on 8th Avenue SW.

Street address: Suite 622, 304 - 8th Ave. SW, (Lancaster Building)
Calgary, AB, T2P 1C5

Hours of service: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Telephone: (403) 261-3662
Fax: (403) 269-6029
e-mail: info@albertahistory.org
Mailing address: Box 4035, Station C, Calgary, AB T2T 5M9

Historical Society of Alberta area chapters:

Central Alberta Historical Society
4525 - 47A Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 6Z6

Chinook Country Historical Society
311, 223 12 Ave. SW,
Calgary, AB T2R 0G9

Edmonton and District Historical Society
7730 106 Street,
Edmonton, AB T6E 4W3

Lethbridge Historical Society
P.O. Box 974
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4A2

Executive Council

For 2008-2009:

President: Linda Collier
Past President: Ron Williams
lst Vice President: William Baergen
2nd Vice President: Belinda Crowson
Secretary: Bradley McDonald
Treasurer: Christina Comfort
Director at Large: Carolyn Kent
Director at Large: Sheila Johnston
Director at Large: Vivian Sampson
Representative, Central Alberta Historical Society: Janet Walter
Representative, Chinook Country Historical Society: Tom Hamp
Representative, Edmonton & District Historical Society: Lisa Maltby
Representative, Lethbridge Historical Society: Belinda Crowson