Railway history part of handful of events happening across city

Nicknames have a way of sticking but “Cowtown” and “Oiltown” might not be as fitting as “Railtown” for Calgary.

Historian Doug Coats shares his knowledge on the city’s correlation with the railway on Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Central Library for Historic Calgary Week.

Earlier, history enthusiasts can attend a handful of events across the city.

Starting at 9:30 a.m. visitors to St. Mary’s University can learn about first residents John and Adelaide Glenn, pioneer industrialist William Shaw, Sisters of Providence and others during a walking tour on the unique 16-hectare site.

At 10 a.m. Calgarians — who might be tired of attempting to pronounce sesquicentennial — can hear about the city’s earlier Canada Day celebrations throughout the 20th century at 313 7th Ave. S.E. with archivists Bryan Bance and Carol Stokes.

At 1:30 p.m. people can also learn of Confederation Park’s history.

Between noon and 1 p.m. visitors can delve into the City of Calgary’s Public Art Collection and explore more than 1,200 works, from painting and sculptures to textiles and photographs, at the Central United Church.

There’s also a quick storytelling event from 11 to 11:30 a.m. with Calgary firefighters, and a presentation on women’s accomplishments and contributions to Canada’s growth as a nation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

At Confederation Park between 4 and 5:30 p.m., Canadians celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary are invited to share personal stories about their seminal year in Canadian history.

Information on each event is available online at chinookcountry.org.