The Cochrane Historical Museum’s summer student is introducing new ways to keep history alive this season.
“It feels wonderful – the museum is so much fun and a wonderful place to work,” said Jade Lewis, fifth generation Cochranite who will be graduating Cochrane High School soon.
After applying to the museum summer student position early, Lewis said she is excited to start initiatives that will get the younger generation involved and interested with the historical building, including the two programs that have already started.
“I’m really passionate about history and I can do more things at the museum than I can at other places,” Lewis explained.
The new youth programs include a painting class opportunity where children are invited to paint the flowers and plants featured in one of the rooms at the museum in partnership with the Glenbow Ranch Herbarium project. Lewis said she also offers scavenger hunts to youth.
“They haven’t had stuff like this in the past and I want to engage young kids in the history of our town,” Lewis said.
“People were born in the museum and also died there – we won’t have old buildings like they have in Europe if we don’t make the effort to save them now.”
Born and raised in Cochrane, Lewis grew up listening to family stories as the 17-year-old explained she is part of the Hutchinson clan that came to Cochrane in 1906.
Always knowing she had a passion for education and history, Lewis received the Kristen Coutts Memorial Scholarship and Chamber of Commerce Awards during her graduation ceremony last month and plans to put the money toward her post-secondary education at the University of Alberta this fall. She plans to study elementary education and is also hopeful to complete a master’s program in speech pathology.
“I love little kids and wanted to make a difference,” Lewis explained.
“I think kids are interested in history but they don’t have the same roots as some of us - I’ve been listening to five generations of history … (and) it is up to us to show the importance history has.”
With a busy summer ahead and not one to slow down, Lewis said she would be spending her Canada Day in Edmonton this year where she will receive a medallion for the poem she wrote for the Canada 150 in 150, a contest hosted by the provincial government to honour Alberta’s storytellers.
“Listen to the stories people around in your life have,” Lewis offered as parting words.
“By listening to stories you share the most important part to keep history alive. That’s why I love the museum – it is not only telling stories but hearing peoples stories.”
