Local history must be treasured, not forgotten

Our region’s storied history is in danger of disappearing forever…What are we going to do about it?  

There has been a call to action from current board members for the Beautiful Plains Museum for more people to get involved, and help keep the volunteer run operation open.

As of the summer 2025, there were only five positions filled on the museum board, though the constitution is structured for a maximum of ten people. As well, those five have also been volunteering for quite some time, with some being active for between 15 to 20 years, at this point. 

Helen Drysdale is one of those supporters, having been involved for just over a generation. She said volunteering has been an amazing experience, but that herself, and the others are just starting to age out of the ability to support it the way they use to.

“Our volunteer list has dwindled down, and it’s only over the last two years that the lack of volunteers has really been noticed. And, it’s mostly because they are aging out and starting to have health issues,” noted Drysdale. “There’s a need for fresh people with fresh ideas.”

Current board all stepping down

Despite still having a passion for the Museum, Drysdale has announced that she will be stepping down from her position as Museum Board President at the end of October. 

“I have often been volunteering countless hours over the summers. I have done this because I love the work and believe in the value the museum offers to the community.  I can’t maintain this amount of work while also enjoying time with family and pursuing other hobbies,” stated Drysdale. 

To go along with Drysdale’s departure, the four other volunteers are also stepping away from board. 

This mass exodus should not be  viewed as a rejection of the Museum, but rather a case of those involved having served their tenure and stepping aside for a well earned rest.

The decision however, does create the extremely urgent need for new individuals to step up  and become a part of the board. If no one is able or willing to do so, The Beautiful Plains Museum would be forced to close permanently.

In terms of the financial outlook of the Beautiful Plains Museum, Drysdale noted that they are in good shape. 

“We are okay financially. We’ve been able to maintain  the building and displays and whatnot. There are zero financial issues and no unhappiness amongst the volunteers. It’s just a lack of new members to come in.”

A public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9, to talk about the future of the Beautiful Plains Museum. 

Drysdale said the gathering will discuss a variety of topics related to what needs to be done to keep the doors open and what happens if no one steps up to fill the volunteer void.

“If we don’t have people getting involved, the keys get turned over to the Town, because the Museum is on town property. That’s all we really can do, if no one is willing to step up,” noted Drysdale. “There have been quite a few museums across the prairies now that have actually closed. Sometimes, the [museum] items go back to the families that donated them. Sometimes they go to other museums, and sometimes, they just disappear. Gone from public view to closets, attics or basements.  A communities’ history just gone and gathering dust.”

Drysdale concluded by saying the amount of time to volunteer is as much or as little as you are willing to offer. 

The community meeting will take place at the Beautiful Plains Museum building on Thursday, Oct. 9. The doors will open to the public at 6:00 p.m., with the meeting itself set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.