Archives and Museum

Recognizing the importance to preserve, educate and inspire, the 1881 Schoolhouse and historic McKay Avenue School have been meticulously preserved and cared for, and are true gifts the community can share and enjoy. Historic McKay Avenue School has always, and continues to play an important role in curating and sharing Alberta’s enduring legacy. It acts as a beacon to the community where people not only experience our history but also come together to create new and lasting memories. It was never just a school, and now, in keeping with its storied tradition, it has the opportunity to be so much more than simply a nod to history. As a mainstay in our downtown core, it has the potential to become a dynamic community hub that hosts events, fosters community collaboration, and inspires new ways of thinking. Realizing its full potential will require care, attention to community needs, and resources to build on existing strengths. By expanding awareness and the role historic McKay Avenue School has in the community, there is the opportunity to create a sustainable future as a destination where we gather to learn, make memories, share meals, toast special occasions, and build a brighter tomorrow. The legacy of historic McKay Avenue School is not only in its past, but in our community’s vibrant future. Housed within the oldest standing brick school in Alberta, our facility offers curriculum-based, hands-on programs for students; a museum highlighting the history of Edmonton Public Schools and Alberta's early political history; and an archives where historically significant documents are preserved for future generations. Archives and Museum is a public research facility housing records and artifacts related to Edmonton Public School Board and Edmonton Public Schools.