The Fort Nelson Heritage Museum is celebrating a transformative milestone with the completion of a major expansion in April 2022. This ambitious project, supported by a $292,209 Cultural Infrastructure grant from Northern Development, has significantly increased the museum’s capacity to share the rich history of Fort Nelson, the Northern Rockies, and the Alaska Highway.
The expansion includes a two-story addition that increases the museum’s floor area by an impressive 240%. The main floor of the new space features expanded gallery areas, a theatre, and modern, universally accessible public washrooms, enhancing the visitor experience. The second floor now houses museum operational functions such as offices, staff areas, a meeting room, an artifact restoration area, and archival and general storage.
“Overall, the expansion has been absolutely fantastic. We have room to grow as an organization for the first time ever. We have a few not-for-profit organizations that benefit from the free use of our boardroom as its just the right size for a smaller board and equipped with everything they need. Public inquiries are replied to much more quickly as our archives and general storage is much neater and more organized allowing the curator to find items easily. Our business manager and finance dept have a separate space allowing for better productivity and privacy. We are so incredibly happy and very appreciative to NDIT because this project would never have been possible without their help,” said Kim Eglinski, business manager, Fort Nelson Historical Society.
The project addresses the museum’s long-standing challenge of limited space, which had constrained the ability to refresh exhibits and introduce new opportunities. By significantly increasing gallery space, the museum can now display a greater variety of artifacts and tell more interdisciplinary stories. Visitors can expect an ever-evolving experience that encourages repeat visits and deepens connections to local heritage.
In addition to enhancing the museum’s offerings, the project prioritized sustainability and accessibility. A new energy-efficient gas boiler was installed, replacing the original system to serve both the new addition and the existing building. The addition also incorporates modern design features to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
With this expansion, the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum has not only reinvigorated its space but also its mission to preserve and share the stories of the Northern Rockies. The museum is now better equipped than ever to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the region’s history among locals and tourists alike.
