The Lacombe Blacksmith Museum will be getting a bit of work done in order to keep its doors open for visitors, and keep the historic building looking authentic.

This is thanks to a grant from the ECHO Lacombe Association that was handed to them on Saturday, September 29th.

President of the Lacombe Historical Society Jennifer Kirchner says they are grateful for the upcoming repairs.

“The ECHO energy group was very kind to provide us with a grant for funding for some of the work we need to do at the blacksmiths shop to keep it open to the public. So the funds we got today are going to go towards some of our restoration work so the windows, doors in particular. Along with some other funding we’ve got from some other groups we’ll also be adding a removable wheelchair ramp, so come next year we’ll be able to provide better access to those who are unable to make the steps.”  

“The Blacksmith Shop Museum is such a uniquely Lacombe attraction,” said ECHO Lacombe Association President Drayton Bussiere. “It is the oldest operational blacksmith shop in Alberta and an important historical resource for our community. We are certainly enthusiastic to provide funding for these important upgrades.”

Kirchner is grateful for the grant along with all the support they have received from the community.

She says fortunately they don't have too much work to do.

“When it comes to a window for instance, you want to see if you can repair it first, you know, clean it up and repaint it. You might have to replace pieces of wood or pieces of glass, and then worst case scenario is you actually have to replace the window with a custom made one. So we’re lucky the window and doors are in pretty good condition, but it does take a lot of time and someone who has the expertise to do it.”

Along with supporting this Blacksmith Shop initiative, Echo Lacombe Association has also funded the new Echo Stage, the host venue for the popular Music in the Park series, as well as Neighbourhood Life’s Echo Coffee Bike, which has been in high demand at block parties and local events. It also continues to sponsor important local events like the Culture & Harvest Festival, Light Up the Night festival and the Social Media Breakfast series.