Eckville’s long-awaited museum celebrates grand opening

After years of planning, the town of Eckville officially opened the Dr. Frank Coppock Memorial Museum Heritage Cultural Centre on Oct. 4.

Run entirely by volunteers from the Eckville and District Historical Society, the museum highlights the community’s history — particularly its former hospital sites.

The building, located across from Eckville Jr., Sr. High School, was originally a home before opening as a medical practice in 1938 under Dr. Frank Coppock. He continued practising there until 1945, when a hospital was built on the site of what is now the town’s health-care centre. That facility remained open until 1995.

“The idea for a museum has been around for years,” said Helen Posti, society treasurer and former mayor. “At one point, the house could’ve been sold, and the town would’ve bought it. But there didn’t seem to be any interest from the community, so council voted against it.”

With upkeep costs considered too high for taxpayers, the historical society took on renovations — including painting, landscaping, and curating displays — to transform the house into a museum.

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Jacob Powell and Robyn Kind at the grand opening celebration, Oct. 4, 2025. (Richard Covlin)

Inside, visitors are invited to explore hands-on displays of local artifacts.

“We’re different from most museums — you can touch stuff,” said Posti. “We have doctors’ bags, and while some instruments are behind glass, most items are available for people to handle.”

The museum also showcases artifacts beyond healthcare, many of which had been stored in the town office basement for years.

The old hospital district once spanned a wide area, Posti added, stretching from Sylvan Lake to Leslieville.

Earlier this year, the society hosted a celebration for individuals born in the original hospital. Fourteen people attended, with some travelling from as far as west of Rocky Mountain House.

Attendees at the Eckville museum grand opening, Oct. 4, 2025. (Richard Covlin)

Additional events have included a Mother’s Day tea and a summer hot dog rodeo fundraiser. Planning is already underway for a possible Christmas celebration and an antique games night.

While the Town of Eckville forgives the property taxes for the building, and Lacombe County matches that value as a grant, the museum operates entirely on donations — both monetary and artifact-based.

“We’re so happy with the interest — even among young people,” said Posti.