‘Archives’ can be defined as documentary records of long-term value to an organization, family or a community. The Okotoks Museum and Archives’ archival collection includes thousands of photographs, municipal records, diaries, newspapers, sound recordings and maps.  These records are a vital part of the community’s collective memory. Proper care and handling procedures are followed in order to preserve these records for current and future generations to study, learn from and enjoy. 

Some of the oldest records in the archive’s collection date back to the 1890s including Thomas Macmillan’s exhibit cards from the 1895 and 1898 Sheep Creek Agricultural Society Fair.

Visitors and researchers may view parts of the collection electronically on the in-house database, and February 1 on our new website.  Original documents can be retrieved for further study, upon request.  The archives also has over 80 years of Okotoks newspapers which have been transferred onto microfilm.  A public research room, featuring a microfilm reader and resource library, is available for researchers.  Museum staff and volunteers are also available for research or historical inquiries.