Our Mission

The Dinosaur Valley Heritage Society advocates to connect people through exhibits and stories to the history and cultural heritage of the Drumheller Valley during the Coal Mining era, from 1911 to 1971, with emphasis on East Coulee and the historic school.

About THE DINOSAUR VALLEY HERITAGE SOCIETY

The not-for-profit board of directors comprising the Dinosaur Valley Heritage Society maintains the East Coulee School Museum in East Coulee, Alberta. The Museum is not funded by any level of government. This is a visitor supported site, with operations supplemented by grants, fundraisers and donations. 

The Museum is a former 12-room school built in 1930 and later opened as a museum in 1985. It is a registered Provincial Historic Resource, a designated Municipal Heritage Building, and has Recognized Museum status from the Alberta Museums Association.

Entering the Museum is walking into the past. Creaky floorboards, chalkboards, and wooden desks with inkwells tell stories of past students' lives. Exhibits a include a 1930's classroom, a Coal miner's room, Cultural displays, and a miner's bachelor shack, and a 3-room 1940's family home; all depicting life in the once-booming town of East Coulee. 

Visit the Artisan Gift Shop and plan for lunch at the Willow Cafe, featuring house-made daily specials, baked goods and cool treats. Open Seasonally. Schoolyard and picnic area accessible year-round.