The history of local interest in history began with the establishment of the Chestermere Historical Society. This organization began as early as 1961 as with discussion, then in 1967 around a Centennial Pageant. In 1969 a committee was formed for writing of what became ‘Saddles Sleighs and Sadirons’ a local history of the Chestermere area, the book being launched on February 12th 1972. A Society was incorporated in 1974 but unfortunately had to disband in 1994 due to lack of interest. The records were deposited with The Glenbow Museum.
A history of the cabin owners at Chestermere Lake was published in 1982 by the Summer Village of Chestermere Lake, it was edited by Elaine Peake.
In 2000 then mayor of The Town of Chestermere, Dave Mikkelsen, suggested to resident Audrey Mc Donald that a history book of Chestermere was needed. This would be the third book which included the Chestermere area. Armed with a small budget from the Town, Audrey gathered many volunteers and much material over the next four years, and in 2005 ‘Chestermere a Home for All Seasons’ was published.
All three of these books are available online. http://contentdm.ucalgary.ca/digital/collection/p22007coll8
The people who volunteered remained committed to documenting and recording Chestermere’s history. In 2011 those citizens gathered to form The Chestermere Historical Foundation to carry on the work of the 1971 Chestermere Historical Society using the energy and enthusiasm which had been generated by the publication of the latest history book in 2005.
Chestermere Historical Foundation meets regularly to fulfill the objectives of this Alberta registered society, providing programming, exhibits and advocacy for the importance of local history.
You may read the minutes of the organization here. Minutes
You can find a summary of CHF on ab211 InformAlberta at this link, it is updated yearly
The by-laws of the Foundation are to be found By Laws Chestermere Historical Foundation Apr 1 2011 There was an amendment on dissolution which is attached By Laws Chestermere Historical Foundation Apr 1 2011 By Law No 20 June 13 2014 CHF
1.Creating a public interest in local and regional history with particular focus on the rail, irrigation and agricultural influence.
2.Discovering, preserving and perpetuating facts and artifacts relevant to an appreciation of the history of Chestermere.
3.Making historic artifacts available to all interested parties where possible.
4.Promoting, preserving and restoring historic entities with significance to Chestermere
5.Documenting Chestermere history in words and pictures, including family histories and the history of local clubs and associations.
6.Educating about local history
7.Encouraging and supporting historical events and programs working cooperatively with other agencies to this end
8.Working in cooperation with the Town of Chestermere, other local municipalities and regional historical societies to fulfill the objectives of the society
9.Encouraging research and publications relating to the history of Chestermere
As described in the by-laws the duties of each Executive Member and The Board of Directors is described Here
Although not provided for directly from the by-laws The Foundation has traditionally elected a minimum of three members to the Board of Directors as Directors at Large. These members are often Committee Chairs. They are required to attend meetings and offer support to the Executive and be available for Board meetings as needed during the year and outside the regular monthly meetings.
The Casino Coordinator is also elected at each AGM and serves as the liaison with Alberta Gaming for the set up of raffles, and the casino which will be happening again in 2020.
There are no Standing Committees at the present time. Ad Hoc Committees are struck as needed each year at the Annual General Meeting. for 2017-2018 these were: