KAMSACK — Recalling that “40 years ago, Mayor Arnold Becker had cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Kamsack Power House Museum,” Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix welcomed everyone to the facility’s anniversary.
“Our museum is a testament to the strength, diversity and lives of our ancestors,” Dix said during the anniversary held at the museum on Aug. 24. “It is a truly fascinating display of the heritage and history of the area and it exhibits the different cultures that have lived here throughout history.
“The powerhouse itself has stood strong for over a century,” Dix said, explaining that this year marked the 110th year of its existence.
“Everyone who visits the museum is amazed that our small town could create such a place and none of this would have been possible without our very dedicated and passionate volunteers,” she said. “For four decades, you have collected, curated and meticulously kept up our heritage.
“You have taught countless students, visitors, newcomers and locals the history of us, exhibiting the cultures, religions and daily lives of those who came before us,” she said, addressing the board members and other volunteers who have worked on the project.
“Thank you for your care, dedication and hard work preserving our local history and congratulations on your 40th anniversary,” she said. “The Kamsack Power House Museum is a gift to all of us.”
In his address, Kelsey Rauckman, museum board president, said that having been born and raised in Kamsack, his roots “are strong in this community and area.
“We are here to celebrate 40 years of our amazing facility,” Rauckman said, inviting the audience for a quick trip down “memory lane” to 1978 when “a group of like-minded people set forth a proposal to create Kamsack’s own historical society,” which soon agreed to create a museum in the community.
Although things appeared slow in the beginning, many things were happening behind the scenes and by 1982, when the old powerhouse became available, the committee became more optimistic, especially after the structure had been declared a provincial historical site, he said. With the help of the Town of Kamsack, the historical society was able to secure a large grant of $18,000, matched by the Town, for the restoration of a proposed new museum.
In 1985, which was designated Heritage ’85 in Saskatchewan, the doors of the museum were opened for the first time, he said. “Over the last 40 years, the hard work has never stopped.”
There have been so many people over the years who have contributed so much, he said. They included members of the board, other volunteers, entertainers and contributors of all the wonderful artifacts showcased in the museum.
“Please take time today to visit our information table, where you will find a little more history on our fine museum and of the people who got us to where we are now,” he said. “Also, take a tour of our museum, even if you have been here many times before, because you never know, something new might make you smile or bring on a fond memory that you can share with your friends and family.
“Thank you all for coming and please enjoy the entertainment and refreshments to follow.”
Saying he was honoured to represent the RM of Cote at the celebration of a remarkable milestone, the 40th anniversary of the Power House Museum, Councillor Christopher Schwartz said “we are not only marking four decades of preserving our shared history, but we also recognize the countless stories, artifacts and memories that make up the fabric of our community.
“Preserving history isn’t just about looking back, it’s about learning, understanding and ensuring we move forward with awareness and respect,” Schwartz said. “Museums like ours help us remember where we came from, who we are and most importantly, who we strive to become. In doing so, we commit to being on the right side of history, acknowledging all voices, honouring truth and building a future grounded in knowledge, peace and inclusion.
“But, to keep this legacy alive, we must involve our youth,” he said. “They are not only the future stewards of our museum, but also the storytellers, researchers and guardians of our collective memory.
“Thank you to everyone, especially the museum board, past and present, who have contributed to this legacy,” he said. “Here’s to 40 years of remembering and to many more years of preserving and growing together.”
Bringing greetings on behalf of Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan, Sean Wilson, Canora-Pelly MLA, said that “for the past 40 years, the Kamsack Power House Museum has been a place of school class trips, family vacation days, events and a heritage point for the Garden of Saskatchewan.
“As one who grew up in the area, I was one of those kids,” Wilson said. “Now, as an adult, I can appreciate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of every brick that still holds this building together after 110 years.
“It’s impressive how, for 45 years, this powerhouse had provided all the energy our area needed. This facility remains an impressive feat of architecture and engineering.”
Wilson thanked the museum team, “who work each year to maintain the museum and who educate our future generations about the resilience of prairie life in the early 1900s.
“Like this facility and those before us, the people of Saskatchewan today are strong and steady,” he said. “Our province is strong, safe and secure, and events like this remind us of how each generation has contributed to the province we all call home today.
“I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to the tradition of building bright futures for all people of Saskatchewan,” he said, thanking everyone who took the time to acknowledge this museum milestone.
“I look forward to many more years of events here at the Kamsack Power House Museum.”
Before and after the program, the three members of the Polka Pals band of Kamsack performed. The event included a rainbow auction and a special cake, decorated by Liz Pollon of Kamsack, to include an image of the powerhouse, was cut by Rauckman. Photographs were taken of the event’s speakers, board members and past presidents, including Joyce MacLean and Lydia Cherkas.
Thanking everyone for attending, board members served the cake with ice cream and beverages as well as other dainties.
