It was a packed room at the LMC last night, as people gathered to listen to a well-known local historian speak about the pioneer days in Lacombe.

Dr. Howard Fredeen is a recent recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Achievement Award, for his dedication to preserving and sharing the history of the city.

Organizer Sylvia Gillespie says Dr. Fredeen is the first of five speaker’s part of the Lacombe History Lecture Series.

“He knows all the history of Lacombe and has a phenomenal memory. I’ve worked with him on part of his book and I know his memory is incredible for his age. He’s recorded so much history that will always be there and never forgotten.”

Dr. Howard Fredeen spoke of the pioneer days in the city when there was no electricity, no doctors, no roads and no hospitals.

He says although history is in the past it continues to go on and is something that needs to be told.

“If you don’t, you don’t know where we’ve come from and you won’t have any idea of where you might go. I think it’s very important to look back and reflect on everyone that’s contributed to you being where you are today.”

Dr. Freeden has also been recognized with both the Genetics Society of Canada Award for Excellence and the American Board of Human Development’s National Health Development Award for his work in the human genetic fields.

His research in specific gene functions in cattle and swine at the Lacombe Research Station, as well as his work on the Human Genome Project continue to be a source of pride in the community.

Part two of the lecture series will take place on December 1st with Gillespie speaking about her time growing up in England during WWII.