Preservation in progress at Dr. Woods House Museum

Since assuming ownership of the Dr. Woods House Museum collection this summer, the City of Leduc’s culture and heritage team has been meticulously and thoughtfully inventorying, cataloguing, digitizing and preserving the artifacts, their stories and their legacies.  

More than 4,000 artifacts have been inventoried to date, and it is estimated that this is only one-third of the existing collection. The artifacts, some of which are over a century old, represent pieces of Leduc’s history—stories of people who have helped to shape our community’s identity.  

Staff are digging deeper into those legacies while ensuring that the items are preserved and managed according to best practices set out by the Alberta Museums Association, the Canadian Museums Association and the International Council of Museums. The work requires careful handling, detailed documentation and precise photography. 

“Taking the time to get to know the collection will help us determine how to best exhibit the artifacts and stories in innovative and engaging ways for the whole community, while also caring for them in a way that ensures they will endure for future generations,” says Toscha Turner, Manager of Cultural Development for the City of Leduc.  

The City of Leduc received ownership of the museum collection from the Leduc & District Historical Society, a non-profit organization in our community that leased the Dr. Woods House building from the City and ran the museum from 1983 to 2023.  

“We know that many in the community are passionate about the history and legacy of the museum,” says Turner. “The collection was curated over many years by the Leduc & District Historical Society and devoted volunteers, and we are keeping their accomplishments and legacies top of mind as we move forward with the museum’s next chapter.” 

The museum remains closed for public access to allow staff to focus on the collection. As the work progresses and a fuller understanding of the collection is gained, the City will explore new ways to share the artifacts and stories with the community.