Lethbridge Galt Museum Unveils 'Treasures and Curiosities' Exhibit with Community at its Heart

The Galt Museum is pulling back the curtain on its most unique collection yet, a community-driven exhibit that puts local stories front and center.

 

Launching on October 18, the new temporary exhibition, titled “Treasures and Curiosities,” will showcase nearly 200 fascinating objects.

 

This is not just another museum display.

 

Each piece was selected with the help of community participants and over a dozen dedicated volunteers, making it a true reflection of Lethbridge heritage.

 

To celebrate the opening, the museum is hosting a special event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., headlined by a familiar face with deep local roots.

 

Sheldon Smithens, the Lethbridge-born star of the popular television show 'Canadian Pickers,' will host an antique appraisal session called “What’s it Worth?” from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Smithens, a respected appraiser who has worked with museums across the Prairies, brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for uncovering history.

 

He says the real thrill of these events is never knowing what will surface.

 

While items like family china and silverware are common, it's the objects with a unique story that often capture the most attention.

 

Smithens notes that sometimes the items of “unbelievable interest” are not always the ones with the highest monetary value.

 

He also acknowledges how the appraisal marketplace has dramatically changed over a short period.

 

A china set once worth thousands might now only fetch a few hundred dollars, a stark reminder of shifting tastes and collector priorities.

 

His connection to the city is personal, as his parents owned a jewelry store in Lethbridge in the 1950s.

 

“I’m personally excited to see the Treasures and Curiosities exhibit because the collection at the Galt is just amazing,” Smithens expressed.

 

The launch event is a perfect opportunity for residents to explore their own history, get an item appraised, and celebrate the incredible work of the community that brought this exhibit to life.