Life in a coal town — unearthed

Step back into the boom days of the Drumheller Valley. Housed in the original 1930 school for mining families, the Museum shares everyday stories from classrooms to kitchens — and the coal that powered them.

Official site Plan your visit

1930–1971
Working school years
1985
Reopened as museum
Provincial
Historic Resource

Dates and designation summarised from public listings and museum pages.

About the Museum

The East Coulee School Museum occupies an 11‑room historic school that served East Coulee’s coal‑mining families. Today it preserves the home life and learning of the era with guided interpretation, hands‑on rooms and community events.

Open seasonally — please check the latest hours on our social channels or by phone.

Address
359 2nd Ave, East Coulee, Alberta T0J 1B0, Canada
Mail: PO Box 514, East Coulee, AB T0J 1B0
Phone: +1 (403) 822‑3970

Exhibits & Spaces

1930s Classroom

Step into a recreated room with wooden desks, blackboards and period readers.

Coal Miner’s Shack

A compact home that shows the realities of miner family life.

Family & Fossil Rooms

Local history displays and a fossil table that connects geology with the coal story.

Willow Café & Artisan Shop

Light meals, treats and locally made crafts and souvenirs (seasonal).

Highlights compiled from Alberta tourism listings and community guides.

Plan Your Visit

Location

359 2nd Ave, East Coulee, Alberta T0J 1B0, Canada

Accessibility: Historic building with multiple exhibit rooms; call ahead for current access info.

Groups & Rentals: School groups, photography, and event bookings available by request.

Hours & Admission

  • Seasonal hours: typically open spring–fall; call to confirm
  • Admission: modest fees; children & seniors discounts (confirm on arrival)
  • Contact: +1 (403) 822‑3970

For the latest: website and social media posts often announce opening dates, hours and café menus.

East Coulee SpringFest

Our biggest annual fundraiser brings two days of live music to the valley. The 30th edition is planned for May 2–3, 2025 with 30+ performances on multiple stages in East Coulee.

SpringFest info Tickets

Support the Museum

Donate

Your gift helps preserve this Provincial Historic Resource. Current priorities include exterior stucco and building care.

Donate online

Volunteer

Help with events like SpringFest, interpretation days and collections projects.

Volunteer for SpringFest

Contact

Phone: +1 (403) 822‑3970

General enquiries: via the contact page

Mail: PO Box 514, East Coulee, AB T0J 1B0