The Sturgis Station House Museum Incorporated

The Sturgis Station House Museum Incorporated is a nonprofit organization based in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, Canada, with a Business Registration Number of 119258176RR0001. The museum is dedicated to collecting artifacts and archival materials of historical and cultural significance related to the town of Sturgis and its surrounding area.

History and Architecture

The Sturgis Station House Museum is housed in a building that was originally constructed in 1918 as a railway station by the Canadian Northern Railway. Designed by R.B. Pratt, the chief architect, the station followed the standardized design 100-72 used for Third Class stations across Western Canada. The building features a distinctive two-story design, with the main floor accommodating passenger and freight traffic and the second floor housing the station agent's quarters. The structure includes a hip roof and dormers protruding from the second story, which projects above a gable roof over the main floor[5].

The station served as a key entry point for the town for over 70 years until it was decommissioned in 1986. After its decommissioning, the station was relocated to its current site on Railway Avenue and has since been repurposed as the town's museum[5].

Exhibits and Collections

The museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits that highlight various aspects of local history. Displays include artifacts related to First Nations, the fur trade, a general store, pioneer kitchen, school room, WWI and WWII, along with other thematic areas such as a pioneer bedroom, crafts room, children’s room, and a research area. Additionally, the museum features a CN station master room with equipment related to station agent duties, pioneer tools and equipment from barns and livery stables, and homemade tools. A CNR caboose is also part of the museum's collection[5].

Mission and Activities

The Sturgis Station House Museum aims to document, interpret, and present the history and culture of the Sturgis community and surrounding areas. It strives to provide educational and engaging experiences through exhibitions, programming, and research opportunities, while ensuring the preservation and proper care of all items in its collection for future generations[2].

Operating Season

The museum operates from May to September each year[2].

Heritage Significance

As a Municipal Heritage Property, the Sturgis Station House Museum not only serves as a cultural and historical repository but also represents early-20th-century railway architecture in Western Canada[3].