The Drayton Valley Museum is also operating as a Visitor Centre this year thanks to funding from the Drayton Valley Hospitality and Tourism Authority (DVHTA).
Alyssa Kotyk, the Drayton Valley Museum and Visitor Centre supervisor for this season, says the Drayton Valley Historical Society and the DVHTA are hoping that having a visitor centre at the museum will not only bring tourists to the museum but also to the remainder of the community.
Along with the local artifacts and historical buildings, Kotyk says one of the best features of the museum is that there is no cost to tour the space. They would just like a donation if they would like to.
Kotyk and two other summer students will be the main people running the museum, but the Historical Society has numerous volunteers who look after the museum and its archives during the summer and throughout the months that it is closed.
“I think the volunteers deserve a shout-out. They’re amazing,” she says.
She says the area is perfect for picnics, with lots of green space available as well. The town will also be installing public washrooms on the museum grounds so families can stay as long as they would like.
One item that Kotyk is excited about is a planned interactive display put together by Eagle Points Blue Rapids Parks Council.
“They have been in and out the past couple of weeks planning, dropping stuff off, talking through ideas. So we are super excited to see the finished product of what they’ve come up with,” she says.
She believes the display will help engage younger children when they go through the space, helping them to learn and retain the information.
Since the museum also houses the archives for community newspapers and organizations, Kotyk says they would welcome people coming in for research. However, anyone who wishes to use them will have to speak to a volunteer to ensure they are using the right precautions to avoid damaging some of the older books.
Kotyk will also stay on top of community events this summer and will have that information ready for any tourists who come in.
“I have a nice little booklet of a bunch of flyers for different events going on around town, so if you just are wondering what’s going on in town… come look here,” says Kotyk.
She says that along with events, she also has maps for Brazeau County and Drayton Valley that highlight different parks in the area and have some ideas for fun activities.
“I can plan an entire day, an entire little weekend of different stops, different restaurants, just your one-stop shop about Drayton Valley,” she says.
Last week, the visitor centre officially opened, and its hours of operation are Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum tours will be open from July 2 until August 24, though the centre will remain open until September 7.
