Opening Ceremonies – Let’s Kick off the Festival in a Big Way!

Join us for the Historic Calgary Week Opening Ceremonies as we begin a week filled with discovery, stories, and community.
About this Event

Hosted by Walt DeBoni, Co-Chair of Historic Calgary Week 2026, and Jackie Kleiner, President of the Chinook Country Historical Society, the Opening Ceremonies will feature keynote remarks from Mayor Jeremy Farkas and a presentation by Lorien Johansen, President of the Historical Society of Alberta.

Welcome to Historic Calgary Week 2026, our 36th annual history festival. Calgary and Southern Alberta of today exists due to the forces of nature and to the human endeavours that preceded us. Our theme this year explores some of the physical influences as well as the people and institutions that have shaped our society.

This year, in addition to more than 90 presentations, walks and community visits throughout Chinook Country, we are mounting two photo exhibitions, one on the fourth floor of the Central Library from July 2 through August 4 and a second one from July 2 through August 1 in the Welcome Gallery in Central Library. These exhibits comprise archival quality, modern photographs of iconic sights in and around Calgary. All the photos at Central Library are for sale and all proceeds will be used by Chinook Country Historical Society to support its programs.

Historic Calgary Week is a program of Chinook Country Historical Society, a Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta. CCHS is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Canadian and Alberta history for people of all ages. Organized in 1958 and incorporated in 1993, CCHS covers the region from Olds to Nanton and from the BC border to the Saskatchewan border. For more information on our societies, please visit the following websites:

• Chinook Country Historical Society: www.chinookhistory.ca
• Historical Society of Alberta: www.albertahistory.org

Not yet a Library member? Your membership is completely free, and gives you access to books in any format, printing, meeting rooms, and more great events like this one! Get your card today here