Central Alberta Regional Museum Network | Page 22

Nordegg Heritage Centre and the Brazeau Collieries National Historic Site After deciding to invest in coal, and visiting other mines in Alberta where the living conditions were dreadful, Martin Nordegg decided to build a mine and a pretty little mountain town for the miners to live in. When the community found out that the mine site was going to be dismantled in 1984, they rallied to save Nordegg. Now, the Brazeau Collieries is both a provincially and nationally designated historic site, and many of the mine buildings are still standing. Norwegian Laft Hus Opening its doors to the public in 1987, the Norwegian Laft Hus in Heritage Square in downtown Red Deer is a unique tourist attraction. Wanting Red Deer to have an international village, “founding mother” Betty Wulff organized volunteers (with the help of log builder Jan Setre from Norway) to build this replica Norwegian log house with a sod roof. This museum that houses artifacts and a small butikk, is recognized as a valuable historical, cultural and educational institution. Location: The yellow school on Stuart Street, Nordegg Open: Seasonal  Website: clearwatercounty.ca Phone: 403-845-4444 or 403-721-2625 (COAL) Location: 4402-47 Ave., Red Deer Open: Year-round  Website: norwegianlafthussociety.ca Phone: 403-347-2055 22 Central Alberta Regional Museums Network