The Lethbridge Military Museum’s Mission is to promote and exhibit to the public the rich military history of Lethbridge and area from 1899 to the present. We hope this, in turn, will lead to a better understanding of our community’s military contribution to the preservation of world peace and security. NOTE: AFTER BEING CLOSED FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD DUE TO ALBERTA COVID RESTRICTIONS THE MUSEUM WILL REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC COMMENCING WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021,
Many in the community are unaware of just how significant it has been. Indeed, soldiers, sailors, and air persons from Lethbridge and area served in the Boer War, two world wars, the Korean conflict, and both peacekeeping and peacemaking missions throughout the world and most recently, Afghanistan. Come out and visit the museum. It is their story and a city’s story – on the home front and the battlefields through our nation’s history.
The museum is open each Wednesday 12 to 4 PM. Individuals wishing to make arrangements to visit the museum at a time or day other than Wednesday afternoons can make arrangements by calling: 403-892-6531 or e-mail: r_c_romses@hotmail.com . NOTE: THE MUSEUM HAS BEEN CLOSED DUE TO ALBERTA COVID RESTRICTIONS BUT WILL REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC COMMENCING WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2021.
To encourage viewing and knowledge of the Museum admission is free. Donations, however, are gratefully accepted.
The Museum is located in the Vimy Ridge Armoury located at the Lethbridge Airport, 337 Stubb Ross Road.
The Museum has recently completed a project to update the exterior courtyard. The update included a new patio which has on it Legacy Stones to honour soldiers, sailors, and airpersons who have served Canada and Canadians. Legacy Stones can still be purchased for $150.00. Those wishing to purchase a Legacy Stone or to obtain further detail are asked to contact Ray Romses at r_c_romses@hotmail.com or 403-327-1345.
Mr. Leon and Mrs. Kemp present a 105 mm shell casing which had been fired at the 100 gun salute for the Lethbridge Centennial in 1985. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Museum were Major (Ret'd) Don Graham and Major Nicholas Barber Commanding Officer of the 20th Battery.
The Lethbridge Military Museum's "Mural of Remembrance" was officially unveiled on 9 June 2017.
A media scrum was held on 6 June 2017 to publicize the "Mural of Remembrance" unveiling which then took place on 9 June.
World War Two vet Mr. John Ross is presented with a copy of his "Mural of Remembrance" portrait by Lethbridge United Services President and Lethbridge Military Museum Committee member Mr. Glenn Miller.
Major Howard Han addressing the "Mural of Remembrance" unveiling audience.
Sandra Balcovski looks on as artist Bill Bewick signs the portrait of her grandfather who served in World War 1.
Charleen Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and SW Alberta presents a "Mural of Remembrance" portrait to Mrs. Linda Gallant and Mrs. Diane Petersen daughters of Regimental Sergeant Major Bill Shirley who served in World War II.
Suzen Dalke accepts the portrait of her father Captain Don Dalke who served in the Korean Conflict.
General Stewart School Principal, Mr. Dieter Witzke, presents Mural of Remembrance portrait of General J.S. Stewart to the school.
Pte Nathan Holley (right) and Pte Tyler Schofield pick up four crates of Bailey Bridge model parts in Edmonton on 8 August 2019 for the Lethbridge Military Museum
A Bailey Bridge Training kit has been donated to the Lethbridge Military Museum and the model is on display.
Left to Right: Captain B. Talty, Officer Commanding "A" Squadron, and Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Thirlwell, Commanding Officer South Alberta Light Horse, unveil the 3 Troop Display at the Lethbridge Military Museum on 21 September 2019. The unveiling was witnessed by HColonel (Ret'd) David Carpenter (18 Air Defence Regiment), and Ms. Cheryl Arelis.
Left to Right - Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel Rick Casson and World War II veteran Mr. Peter Lewko unveiled the D-Day/Battle of Normandy temporary display. The display will be on exhibit at the Museum September to December 2019.
Virtual reality goggles are being used as part of the D-Day/Battle of Normandy temporary display at the Museum.
WORKERS BEGIN WORKING ON THE MUSEUM EXTERIOR COURTYARD
The exterior Museum courtyard begins to take shape.
Work continues. Almost ready for installation of interlocking bricks which will begin next day.
HLCol Rick Casson, Maj(Ret'd) Don Graham, and Maj Robert Mein unveil the poppy and legacy stones on the new museum courtyard patio. The official opening of the Museum Courtyard took place on Tuesday 6 October 2020.
The Museum Courtyard was officially opened on Tuesday 6 October 2020. Padre Wayne Driver is seen in this photo blessing the Courtyard.
The temporary display of the Liberation of the Netherlands was officially unveiled on Tuesday 6 October 2020. The Kingdom of the Netherlands Honourary Consul Irene Bakker participated in the unveiling.
Honourary Consul of the Netherlands Irene Bakker speaking with the Lethbridge Media. This followed the unveiling of the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands temporary display on 6 October 2020.
Lethbridge RCMP veterans being briefed on the Museum's Liberation of the Netherlands temporary display. The visit occurred on Wednesday 7 October 2021.
Lethbridge RCMP veterans met with members of the Lethbridge Military Museum Committee and viewed the newly opened Museum Courtyard.
Volunteers are the greatest asset of any organization.
Persons willing to assist the Museum or supervise during museum opening hours should e-mail: r_c_romses@hotmail.com .
To celebrate the Veterans of Lethbridge and area a compelling 6’ X 10’ Mural, now called the "Mural of Remembrance,"has been painted and housed in the Lethbridge Military Museum. The "Mural of Remembrance" was officially unveiled on 9 June 2017. The artist, Mr. Bill Bewick, from Calgary was present and participated in the ceremony.
The Mural highlights Brigadier General J. Stewart, HMCS Lethbridge, and a 429 Squadron (City of Lethbridge) C-17 aircraft and is composed of 60 12"X12" portraits and scenes. These portraits and scenes allow 60 stories to be told on an interactive computer all of which relate to the military history of Lethbridge and area.
Here is a video of the Mural Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahsm9jM3xhM
The Lethbridge Military Museum is governed by the Lethbridge Military Unit Senate Association which is a registered society under the Government of Alberta Societies Act. One of the objects of the society is to foster interest in military history. The current Chairperson of the Association is Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel Rick Casson a prominent citizen of the Lethbridge area and former Member of Parliament for the Lethbridge riding. Responsible to the Lethbridge Military Unit Senate Association for the development and running of the Museum is the Military Museum Committee.
Current Members