About the Foundation
A volunteer-driven organization from its inception, the
Fort Edmonton Foundation was founded in 1969 by a group of
community leaders, several of them Rotarians, who were interested
in establishing a visible memorial to the origins of the City of
Edmonton. The objectives of the group, as set forth in the
Memorandum of Association, were simple and
straightforward:
- To promote and support the establishment and development of an
historical park in Edmonton, called Fort Edmonton Park, which was
to contain the replication of old Fort Edmonton; and, which was to
be created to be historically accurate insofar as possible.
- To assist in the preservation, display, restoration and
conservation of other buildings, sites, artefacts, personal papers
and records, documents and objects which reflect and record the
historical heritage of the Edmonton area and its early
citizens
- To establish and maintain a fund for the said purposes and to
accept gifts of money and of property, real and personal.
- To apply the capital and income of the fund for said
purposes.
Each year at the Fort Edmonton Foundation Annual General
Meeting, a long-time donor is recognized with the Samuel A. Dickson
Award, in honour of the late Mr. Dickson's role in the development
of Fort Edmonton Park
The seven founding members of the Foundation were John A.
Beckingham, Raymond Ludford, James G. MacGregor, H. Stan Ragan, J.
Newton Shortliffe, Henry G. Ward and Merrill E. Wolfe.
Four decades later, the role of the Foundation has remained true
to the vision of the Park's founders. An independent charitable
organization, the Foundation has raised over $22 million for the
development of capital projects in Fort Edmonton Park.
The Foundation continues to be run by a dedicated volunteer
board of directors. It works closely with the Fort Edmonton
Management Company and the City of Edmonton.
Vision:
To create and promote an internationally acclaimed living
history experience.
Mission:
The Fort Edmonton Foundation celebrates Edmonton's vivid,
diverse history by fundraising in support of the development of
capital projects in Fort Edmonton Park.
Values Statement:
The primary core value of the Fort Edmonton Foundation is
integrity. Integrity is the fundamental principal of our
relations with our donors: it guides our stewardship of their
contributions. The foundation understands that its mission is
accomplished solely because of the generosity of those who support
it.
The Fort Edmonton Foundation believes that maintenance of
historical integrity is key to Fort Edmonton Park's success as a
financially sustainable historical attraction. The Fort
Edmonton Foundation is fully dedicated to the successful
development of Fort Edmonton Park as a globally-acclaimed living
history experience.
The Fort Edmonton Foundation strives to ensure that all
individuals who work to further its mission, be they donors,
volunteers, staff, or stakeholders, are treated according to
policies that are legally grounded and guided by respect and
individual rights.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors meets monthly to determine the
actions of the Foundation. Most members of the Board sit on one of
several committees. Each Board Member is an ambassador to the
community-generating increased positive awareness of the
Foundation. Moreover, all Board Members have donated financially
toward one or more of the Foundation's current campaigns, projects
and special events. Foundation Board Members are all, ultimately,
donating their wealth, wisdom and work to make the community a
better place for future generations. They are committed to
completing the legacy that is Fort Edmonton Park.
2011/2012 Board of Directors
President: Sue Currie
Secretary/Treasurer: Gordon Lithgow
Vice President: John Carroll
Lyndon Decore
Donald Kramer, QC
Penny Omell
Don Smith
Bill Stephens
Kevin Trumpour
Past Presidents
Merrill E. Wolfe, 1970-1974
Ray Ludford, 1974-1977
Walter C. Howard, 1977-1980
William R. Jarvis, 1980-1982
Gary G. Campbell, 1982-1985
C. T. (Chuck) Cripps, 1985-1988
Jack D. Edworthy, 1988-1991
Brian W. L. Tod, 1991-1993
Jennifer J. Oakes, 1993-1995
John C. Howard, 1995-1997
Mary-Lou Hamilton, 1997-1999
Don Smith, 1999-2001
Diane Gagnon, 2001-2003
Douglas O. Goss, 2003-2004
Barry Johns, 2004-2005
Laird Kulak, 2005 - 2008
Judi Kendall, 2008-2009
Honourary Chief Factor
The Honourable Edward Wachowich
The Fort Edmonton Honourary Chief Factor represents the Foundation
and the Park to the larger community, and links the future of Fort
Edmonton to the past it brings to life.
During the Fur Trade Era, the Hudson's Bay Company appointed
Chief Factors to manage trading post districts. They were paid
slightly less than one percent of the profits of each trading post;
were entitled to attend the annual meeting of the council; and,
voted on the promotions of clerks and Chief Traders. They were
responsible for implementing Company policies in their districts,
including the organization of fur sales, the ordering of goods for
trade, hiring, and shipping of pelts.
In 1826, John Rowand became Fort Edmonton's first Chief Factor.
Fort Edmonton had been selected as the district headquarters for
the North Saskatchewan region, and under his direction, it became
one of the largest and most important trading posts in what is now
Alberta.
The Fort Edmonton Foundation's Honourary Chief Factor's
responsibilities are vastly different from those of their early
counterparts. A distinguished and interesting role, today's
Honourary Chief Factor attends special events, speaks at the
Foundation's Annual General Meeting, and escorts dignitaries and
royalty on visits to Fort Edmonton Park. Most Honourary Chief
Factors serve for two years, a term that may be extended at the
request of the Board of Directors.
Fort Edmonton Foundation Staff
Naida Geisler, Executive Director
Laura Frazer, Assistant to the Treasurer
The Fort Edmonton Steam Railway
The Fort Edmonton Foundation owns and operates a steam railway
in Fort Edmonton Park called the Edmonton, Yukon & Pacific,
after the first railway built in Edmonton. The ride is 2 ½ miles
(20 minutes) through the Park on a loose figure eight
configuration. At present, there are two main stops: at the Train
Station at the entrance to the Park; and at a covered platform to
the South of the Fort Complex (1846).