Signs of the Times

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Ducky Dome mural, Jun. 1984

(courtesy of Musée Héritage Museum)

Opening Reception: March 8 at 3 pm

New St. Albert museum exhibition proves that behind every sign there is a compelling story.

A new exhibition at the Musée Héritage Museum (inside St. Albert Place) uncovers the unique history behind well-known businesses and public parks in St. Albert.

Signs of the Times, curated by Martin Bierens of the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert, features signs from several former St. Albert businesses, such as the Blind Pig, the Bruin Inn, a doctor’s office, movie theatre and a magic shop. Some former City of St. Albert Park signs are also showcased, as well as a few historic icons. Among those, the Bruin Inn Bear and the beloved St. Albert Public Library’s Apple Tree that was retired in 2023 from 36 years of regular public enjoyment.

“While exploring the museum’s collections of business signs and historic advertising icons, I realized that the public could really enjoy learning all of the personal stories behind many of them,” says Martin Bierens, Musée Héritage Museum Curator.

For example, exhibition visitors will read about the significance surrounding the former Mission Hill Park Sign and the 1920’s attempt to establish a national park in St. Albert.

An eight-foot-tall hand painted rooster sign also reflects a significant time in St. Albert’s history. It belonged to St. Albert Hatchery, a family-run business that operated on Sturgeon Road in the 1950’s. It was a popular business for people to purchase chicken from nearby, to save them a long trip into downtown Edmonton. The sign was hand crafted and painted in 1954. The company attached it to a float to take part in the “Sewer Parade”, a celebration of the city’s first downtown sewer system and St. Albert’s Golden Jubilee.

While visiting the exhibition, visitors will enjoy a touring interpretive booklet, to read about each story behind the featured signs and historic icons. 

“I hope people who see this exhibition can appreciate the artistic elements of the historic signs, and also leave with a new appreciation for an individual or a family’s life’s work behind business within our community,” Bierens adds.