Statue honours contributions by Sir Alexander Galt, son Elliott
Alexander Galt’s great-great grandson on hand for unveiling
As part of this year’s Canada 150 celebrations, the Galt Museum unveiled a new statue Monday recognizing Sir Alexander Galt, a father of Confederation, and his son Elliott, for their many contributions in the establishment of Lethbridge and area.
On hand to help with the unveiling was Alexander Galt’s great-great grandson, William Grant, who travelled with his wife Anne from Montana where they live.
Along with an appreciation for having his family honoured with the sculpture, hearing the history of the Galts’ involvement in the formation of Canada was as important for Grant.
“I’ve read about them through various books — there’s not that many books out there about the Galts — and I just think it’s an amazing journey from England over to Canada and what they did,” said Grant.
The Galts were instrumental in the city’s early coal and rail industries, as well as agriculture and the development of the area’s irrigation. They also donated the Galt Hospital, Galt Gardens and land for the city’s first churches.
The sculpture’s creator, Ontario-based artist Robert Dey, said his idea for the work was to create a connection between the community and the fatherand-son founders. The piece features the two historical figures at a bench, with room next to them for the viewer to have a seat and be part of the conversation.
“Looking at it now, it’s almost like they’re in discussion saying ‘look what we’ve done, our vision has come true,’” said Dey.
Historian Jane Harris’ comments also imagined what the Galts’ views would be of modern-day Lethbridge and area.
“No doubt they’d be impressed, but probably Alexander’s main feeling would be relief that everything had turned out OK. And probably what they would be most impressed with would not be the statues but with the city and the country that has come from their hard work,” said Harris.
The museum has celebrated Canada 150 with a number of events through the year, such as National Aboriginal Awareness Week, Canada Day and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and Fort Whoop-Up anniversaries.
“This is the final special event,” said museum CEO and executive director Susan Burrows-Johnson. “It is a part of our educational mandate to tell our community about the history of this area.”
The museum’s Canada 150 programs for the year end with an indigenous history program and an exhibit with the Lethbridge Artists Club.
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