How to...
Calliope
Education
Programs
Training
Course
Family History Album
The Museum of Saskatchewan
"where bygones meet beyond"
Where are we?
Our four museum locations can be visited in Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Yorkton. Our Curatorial Centre is located in Saskatoon, SK.
You don't have to be from Saskatchewan to love the Western
Development Museum.
News:
All the latest about your favourite Museums.
Distinguished Service Award
May 1, 2012
David Klatt served as the Executive Director of the WDM for 20 years; prior to that he had worked for 10 years as the Manager of the Saskatoon WDM. The Museum reluctantly said goodbye to David in July 2011. His commitment and dedication not only to the WDM but to the wider museum community was recently recognized by the Canadian Museums Association. On April 25, 2012, David was awarded the CMA Award of Distinctive Service at a ceremony held at a national conference in Gatineau, Quebec. Congratulations, David – you have given the WDM one more reason to celebrate.
WDM Membership Fee Increase
May 1, 2012
Please note that effective May 1, 2012, WDM Membership fees will be increased. An option to purchase 2 year memberships is now available. For details, please visit the WDM Membership webpage.
WDM Advanced Blacksmithing Course a Success
April 23, 2012
This past weekend, 35 blacksmiths from across Western Canada came to the WDM Curatorial Centre for the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by master smiths Sandra Dunn and Steve White. It was the 20th Advanced Blacksmithing course the WDM has put on.
Sandra Dunn and Steve White show off the pieces they
forged at
the
2012 Advanced Blacksmithing course.
More information about WDM Blacksmithing courses.
WDM Celebrates National Volunteer Week
April 18, 2012
National Volunteer Week tales place each April and
recognizes the enormous contribution that volunteers make to our
nation and its well-being. Saskatchewan is making headlines this
year for having the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada at
58%.
At the WDM, we see the generosity of Saskatchewan people every
day in our four Museums and in our Curatorial Centre. In 2011,
1,218 people
volunteered to helped us teach visitors about Saskatchewan's
rich history. Together, they donated a whopping
65,922.45 hours!
The WDM would like to thank each and every one of our 1,218 volunteers.
We could not accomplish all that we do without the solid support
of our volunteer core.
Learn more about our volunteers or how to become one of them.
Changes to Admission Fees
April 17, 2012
Please note the following increases to admission fees at Moose Jaw, North Battleford, and Saskatoon WDMs:
| Adult: | From $8.50 to $9.00 |
| Senior (Age 65 +): | From $7.50 to $8.00 |
| Student (any age with valid student card): | From $5.75 to $6.25 |
| Children (age 6-12 years): | From $2.00 to $2.50 |
| Preschool Children (age 5 years and younger) | Free |
| Family (parents or guardians & dependant children under 18 years): | From $18.50 to $20.00 |
An increase in the admission fees at the Yorkton WDM will be implemented in September 2012.
WDM “Digs Deep” For Cost Recovery Measures
April 16, 2012
On the heels of Monday closures, the Saskatchewan Western
Development Museum’s Board of Directors recently approved
further steps that will compensate for its budgetary constraints
in its 2012-2013 fiscal year.
The past four provincial budget allocations to the WDM have not
matched the realities of inflation such as the rising costs of
the utilities, goods and services purchased by the Museum. As a
result of a freeze in its budget, the WDM is facing a $465,000
deficit in its operating budget for the upcoming year.
Joan Champ, the Executive Director of the WDM, stated
“Management and the Board have examined many options in the past
few weeks to address our budget shortfall. Our main concern is
to ensure that we make decisions that are best for the people
our Museum serves – including our 200,000 annual visitors as
well as our dedicated staff and volunteers. We do regret any
inconvenience or hardships that will result.”
The following decisions will be implemented immediately:
1. Increase in the Admission fees at three of the four WDMs. Increase in the admission fees at the Yorkton WDM will be implemented in September 2012.
2. Three of five positions will remain unfilled. Two positions will be filled in the fall. This will save about $200,000.
3. Administration and some Managers and staff at the Curatorial Centre have agreed to take an unpaid leave of absence of at least one two-week pay period. This sacrifice has saved the WDM from having to consider lay-offs of at least one full-time employee.
4. Departments will cut their budgets from 5% to 10%.
5. Monday closures at all four Branches.
The WDM has:
- 200,000 visitors a year
- 2,000 members
- 1,200 volunteers
- 66,000 volunteer hours in 2011
- $700,000 in self generated revenue
- 80,000 artifacts
- 540,00 square feet of building space ( in five locations, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon, Yorkton and the Curatorial Center)
Download WDM Media Release April 16, 2012 (PDF)
For further information please call Joan Champ, Executive
Director
(306) 934-1400 or 1-800-363-6345
Sparks Off the Anvil April-May 2012
April 13, 2012
Sparks Off the Anvil
April-May 2012 (PDF)
WDM Monday Closures Effective Immediately
March 26, 2012
As a result of a zero percent increase in its annual budget allocation from the provincial government, the Western Development Museum’s (WDM) four exhibit locations at Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon and Yorkton will be closed Mondays in an effort to maintain a balanced budget. Please WDM Facing Cuts Due to Budgetary Constraints to find out more.
WDM voted 2011 Best Museum in Saskatchewan by readers of Prairies North Magazine.
December 20, 2011
