Make, Mend and Modify: Ukrainians Adapting in Alberta

The exhibit, supported by Lamont County, highlights artifacts that have been made, mended or modified, encouraging visitors to explore and connect with the pioneer spirit of ‘making do’.

In this exhibit, you will be able to look at some of the original artifacts from our collection that demonstrate how settlers to east central Alberta ‘made-do’.

Newcomers to the province arrived with a few possessions and very little else, but they worked hard to build a home and a future.

Make

Using the materials on the land they purchased, newcomers became adept at making things out of the surrounding trees, earth and plants to help them survive.

Mend

Settlers usually brought only a few items of clothing with them from the old country. They became proficient at repairing these items as often as necessary by darning holes, and adding patches or pieces from food or cement sacks.

Modify

Tools were one necessity that many newcomers brought with them to help clear the land. Once these tools were beyond repair, they were often repurposed for other uses.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please read our guidelines so you know what to expect when you arrive.