THE PAST LIVES AND BREATHES AT FORT STEELE HERITAGE TOWN...

Since it’s gold rush beginning in 1864, the Fort Steele has gone from boomtown, to regional centre, to ghost town, to one of the most important heritage attractions of its kind in British Columbia. For over 40 years, Fort Steele has offered a wide variety of educational programming.  Each program uses participatory teaching methods involving hands-on activities.  Educational programs are designed to interpret turn-of-the-19th-century East Kootenay lifestyles and history. All ages are welcome!

HOME SWEET HOME

Students experience pioneer domestic life by doing chores such as making ice cream, baking in a wood oven and washing clothes on a scrub board.

MOUNTIE LIFE

Students will learn why the North West Mounted Police were dispatched to Fort Steele. Through hands-on activities and marching drills, they also experience what 1880’s Mountie life might have been like.

LEATHER WORKING

Learn the ropes of leather working. Students will examine the tools used in this craft and learn the history of this important trade. Each student will have a chance to make their own leather book mark.

TINSMITH

This apprenticeship program will have students using tools to build their own tin whistle or icicle.  Great hands on program

DAVID THOMPSON

Learn about the life and travels of David Thompson, one of Canada’s greatest explorers, mapmakers and fur traders.  Students will have the opportunity to use the map-making techniques Thompson would have used. 

FOOD PRESERVATION AND CANNING

In the 1890s, food preservation was  crucial to the well being of the towns folk. In this program, students will prepare smoked meat and canned applesauce the old-fashioned way! Students will leave with a can of fresh home made apple sauce!

THE FIRST SPIKE

Students will build a section of track using authentic railway tools, developing an appreciation of the demanding work involved in early railway construction.  This session also examines the catastrophic effects on Fort Steele when the town was by-passed by the B.C. Southern Railway in 1898.

OVERNIGHT AT THE KOOTENAY POST

Students will have an opportunity to rough it just like the Mounties did when they arrived in the East Kootenays in 1887. Sleep on wooden trestle beds with straw mattresses, cook on a wood stove and perform typical duties of yesteryear. 72 beds are available.

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Contact :Tyrel Hawke, Education Coordinator
250-420-7159
tyrel.hawke@fortsteele.bc.ca