COLD LAKE – The Cold Lake Museums programming is in full swing this summer with a range of educational and interactive activities designed to engage the community - and there’s still more to come.
“We've been doing some educational programming for a few weeks now. Every Wednesday afternoon there is some public programming, that's free to attend,” said Christian Keller, curator at the Cold Lake Air Force Museum.
One of the most anticipated events of the season happens on Aug. 6.
“That's Theory of Flight, and it's going to be a paper airplane making competition, like which plane can go the farthest, hoop glider competition . . . who could make the longest flying hoop glider and then egg drop competition.”
The weekly Wednesday programming is a joint effort between the Air Force Museum and the Cold Lake Heritage Museum. “So, the rest is still hosted by the Heritage Museum, but it's so far based off the five senses,” Keller explained.
As the summer winds down, programming will shift toward reflection and learning.
“The last month is mostly just kind of finishing up the public programming and then National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.”
The museums are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, until the end of August.
Visitor numbers have remained consistent when compared to last year’s attendance, and Keller hopes to boost promotion and introduce new exhibits next summer.
Keller said the museum’s role goes beyond just preserving artifacts, it’s about community connection and learning.
“I always believe that museums - their place in the community is to conduct public outreach and education and definitely be accessible to the general public and have the museum as a touchstone for that education and introduction to science, technology, and a possible career in aviation or within the Royal Canadian Air Force.”
That educational angle is supported by the museum’s CF-18 flight simulator, a longtime favourite with visitors.
“It does simulate the landscape of Cold Lake. That was one of the cool things,” Keller said.
The simulator is simple to use but still highlights how tricky and sensitive flying an F-18 fighter jet can be. It’s easy to crash, but advanced users can access different missions and aircraft, Keller explained.
