By Western Development Museum

Celebrating 75 Years

Western Development Museum Celebrates 75 Years All Summer Long

Jul 31, 2024 | 9:29 AM

2024 is a momentous year at the WDM as we commemorate 75 years of sharing Saskatchewan stories and memories. Thanks to your support, over the years we have added Museum locations and thousands of artifacts, preserved our collective history and evolved to include the voices and shared experiences of Indigenous people and newcomers to our province.

In the early days, our focus was on seeking out tools and equipment from our agricultural past. With time, this focus expanded to impressive demonstrations and shows, world-class exhibits and a collection of over 75,000 Saskatchewan-inspired artifacts.

The WDM looked for ways to innovate and grow.

As a result, we have received a number of accolades including local, provincial and national recognition for our exhibits, programs, staff and volunteers. In 1973, the WDM was among the first to join a national inventory project to share collections information electronically with the Canadian museum community.

More opportunity for growth was the release of the Inclusivity Report: Reconciliation and Diversity at the WDM in 2019. This Report guides us as we strive to be a place where all stories are heard.

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Raiders sign overage defenceman Cedricson Okitundu from OHL's Bulldogs

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We couldn’t be more proud of our journey and accomplishments over 75 years. We are…a Saskatchewan where everyone belongs and histories matter.

CLICK HERE to read the WDM History and Timeline >>

The WDM holds a special place in many people’s hearts. We invite you to share your WDM memories with us. CLICK HERE to share your memory >>

75th Anniversary Adventure Passports

Visit the WDM to pick up your WDM 75^th Anniversary Passport! When you visit any WDM location through April 2, 2025, you can get a WDM stamp on your passport. Once you’ve collected all four stamps – one from each WDM location – you’ll receive a WDM t-shirt (one per passport) and an entry form to enter a draw for a WDM prize package to be drawn for on April 30, 2025. Get Saskatchewan Inspired at each WDM location and help us celebrate 75 years of sharing Saskatchewan stories!

CLICK HERE for complete rules and regulations (PDF)

August 2024 Activities

WDM Moose Jaw
Through August 31
75th Anniversary Timeline Seek and Find
Pick up an activity sheet and explore the Museum Galleries to learn more about our history by answering questions on your sheet.

August 10
Blow Off Some Steam
Celebrate 75 years of trains and steam engines as we showcase our steam-related artifacts with special guided tours, operating steam engine and family friendly activities.

WDM North Battleford
August 1 – 31
Diamond Seek and Find
Pick up an activity sheet and help us celebrate by finding 12 images of diamonds hidden in the Galleries.

August 17 – 18
History in Motion
Join us as we seal our 75th anniversary time capsule full of interesting items from today. The capsule won’t be opened again until the WDM’s 100th anniversary in 2049!

Over the last 75 years, the WDM has collected an amazing collection of machines. We will be demonstrating with machines from our operating collection as we have been doing for the past 75 years. Check them out along with entertainment and family friendly activities.

WDM Saskatoon
Through August 31
1949 Before and After Seek and Find
Pick up an activity sheet and make your way through A Saskatchewan Story. Find the artifacts on the sheet and decide if they are pre- or post-1949.

WDM Yorkton
Through August 31
Diamond Seek and Find
Pick up an activity sheet and help us celebrate by finding 12 images of diamonds hidden in the Galleries.

August 3 – 4
66th Threshermen’s Show & Seniors’ Festival
The WDM and the Yorkton Threshermen’s Club celebrate our longest running program by showcasing artifacts, demonstrations and activities…something we’ve been doing since 1955. Don’t miss the special exhibit created by the Yorkton Threshermen’s Club about the history of the WDM.