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 The Bonnyville and District Historical Society originated in 1979 as a group of local people who were interested in gathering and recording the region's history for a book. "Echoes of The Past" was published in 1983. The group was then known as the Historical Book Committee.
On June 12, 1980, the group was incorporated as a non-profit organization under the Societies Act of Alberta with the name "The Bonnyville and District Historical Society." The purpose of the Society is to search for, display and preserve the history of Bonnyville and surrounding district. Also, the Society aims to promote and preserve the multi-cultural heritage of the community and its people.
With the above goals in mind, the membership embarked on the ambitious project of a museum complex. The main building and the antique machinery shed were completed in November of 1990. In April of 1991, a lumber house built in 1908 was donated and moved to the museum grounds. The Bonnyville and District Museum had its official opening on May 18, 1991.
In May of 1991 the Esso Resources Duckett Farm Display of prehistoric and native artifacts and the Poitras collection of "Artisanats" and statuettes came to the museum. October of the same year brought a Store Front constructed on the museum lot. In May of 1992 the Ardmore United Church was moved onto the grounds. On July 1, 1992, to commemorate Canada's 125th birthday, the Bonnyville and District Historical Society unveiled a statue of the North West Company fur trader Angus Shaw.
Since that time the Bonnyville and District Historical Society continues to expand its collection of artifacts and historical buildings. The Society has added: A log church, a schoolhouse, a trader's cabin, a teepee, a hospital display, a water tower, and various farm implements and artifacts.
The Bonnyville and District Museum receives approximately 1200 visitors a year between May and September. These visitors come from as far away as the Netherlands and Japan. School tours are also given during the school year by appointment. (approximately 20 tours a year)
There are several reasons why this museum is able to thrive in a rural area. It is ideally located on the edge of town at a main highway intersection, it serves several smaller communities and villages in the area, and is within driving distance of the Canadian Forces Base at Cold Lake.
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