A new era at Fort Steele Heritage Town is set to really get underway, with a “soft opening” set for June.
The Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society (CAMAL), the new operator of Fort Steele, said in a release Friday that the soft opening June 22 is “a chance for us to ease into the season and welcome visitors back as we continue preparing the site.”
The June 22 date with the final day of the Spirit of the Rockies Festival in Cranbrook.
CAMAL, which also operates the Cranbrook History Centre, became the new operator of Fort Steele earlier this spring. Since then, the team has been working to prepare the site - recruiting summer staff, revitalizing programs, and caring for the site’s livestock as they prepare for public demonstrations and animal husbandry displays.
“We’re excited to welcome the community to the soft opening of Fort Steele,” said Keith Powell, CAMAL Board Chair. “Since CAMAL was awarded the opportunity to operate Fort Steele Heritage Town earlier this year, we’ve been looking forward to opening day. Our management team, along with dedicated staff, has been working hard to usher in a new era at Fort Steele Heritage Town.”
More details will be released closer to the date about daily hours and what experiences will be available.
Later in the summer, starting Saturday, July 5, more programs and activities will begin to roll out as the site settle into regular operations. Fort Steele will be open Thursday through Monday, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The steam train, a longtime visitor favourite, is still undergoing repairs through the Provincial Heritage Branch of BC. While it will not be operational for opening day, CAMAL will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Ahead of opening day, CAMAL members are invited to a members-only BBQ on Saturday, June 14, from 5 – 8 pm at Fort Steele. This sneak peek is our way of thanking members for their continued support - with wagon rides, live music, and a fun evening to celebrate the season ahead before the site officially opens to the public.
"We’re incredibly proud of the work being done behind the scenes to bring Fort Steele back to life for the community and visitors alike,” says Jared Teneese, Chief Operating Officer. “Our team is committed to honouring the legacy of Fort Steele while creating fresh opportunities for engagement and learning.”
CAMAL’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 6 pm at the Cranbrook History Centre.
Members and the public are encouraged to attend and learn more about CAMAL’s activities, including updates on both Fort Steele and the Cranbrook History Centre.
