Our Collections

Our Permanent Collection is based on the extensive and varied collection of Mr. Sam Waller. Containing over 70,000 items, the collection includes natural history specimens, human history artifacts, books and library materials, photographs and negatives, fine art pieces and the archives of the Town of The Pas. While our founder collected from the four corners of the world, the Museum now limits new accessions to those items that are pertinent to the history of the community and region. Many items from the collection can be viewed in our exhibits.

Our small Education Collection has been developed with duplicates of items in the permanent collection, in addition to items specifically donated for this collection. These items are used in our educational programming for youth and school groups. A work in progress, we are always looking to expand this collection with interesting items that can be used to tell the stories of our past. Please contact the Museum staff for more details.

From the Vault - featured items from our collection

Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl

Sam Waller wrote in his Bird Records that this specimen was: “found in a snow bank under a Hydro pole. It is not known how long it had lain there.  Possibly electrocuted. No signs of breeding condition so difficult to sex positively.”

This specimen is covered by a very thick white plumage of feathers.  The toes are completely concealed and the beak partly concealed by white feathers.  Some feathers on the wings and the breast have brown tips. This dense coat of feathers serves as protection against the cold temperatures of their arctic environment.

Added: March, 2010

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