The Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation is reopening on Tuesday, June 15 with a new name, new look, and an exciting new interactive branding experience.

It will now be known as Stockmen's, something that easily rolls off the tongue and is already commonly used by many.

Executive director Scott Grattidge says they also took advantage of closures during the pandemic to give Stockmen's a more welcoming look and to add the finishing touches to its branding experience.

The redesign allows visitors to focus on each area separately or together if they wish. There are dedicated areas for western ranching culture exhibits and collections, western art and bronze gallery, the Bert Sheppard Library, and Archives of Alberta’s cancelled brand files.

There's also a dedicated area for mercantile items available for purchase. 

The interactive Stockmen's Branding experience is an opportunity to learn about the important role played by brands in shaping Alberta. Participants get to design their own brand and heat the irons to make their mark in history. 

It will be offered on Wednesdays in July and August. Bookings are currently being accepted by phone at the Stockmen's. Online booking is expected to available within a few weeks. There are adult, youth (ages 12 to 18), and family rates. Those under 12 can take in the presentation, but can't do the actual branding.

Stockmen's redesignThe floor plan of the Stockmen's was completely designed during the pandemic.

Stockmen's is currently open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Starting June 26, they'll also be opened weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public health guidelines currently limit capacity to 30 per cent. 

The Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation was founded in 1980 by its own act in the Alberta Legislature. It collects and preserves the history of Western ranching and the livestock industry.

Admission is by donation.

More on The Stockmen's can be found here.

Bert Sheppard LibraryNew look of Bert Sheppard Library in The Stockmen's. (Photo courtesy of Stockmen's)

Audio from the full interview with Stockmen's Executive Director Scott Grattidge is attached.