HANNA ROUNDHOUSE SOCIETY

The Hanna Roundhouse Society (HRS) offers our historic venue & 8.97-acre property to the community for wedding graduation family etc. photoshoots & events. The property is groomed for public enjoyment (& safety) & HRS board members are onsite to assist with anything building/property related. Unique props within the roundhouse are made available for these photoshoots. Photo workshops have become popular with the variety & changing natural lighting to work with as well as the rustic character. Property rental of $100/hr & $500/day allows private usage for pre-booked times. Revenue generated helps fund restoration & operating expenses. Grant applications continue to be sourced volunteering for fundraisers with private donations & sponsorship continuing. The High School graduation class is not charged for their group photos but individual grad photos require a fee & scheduled time. The Alberta Transportation Highway Cleanup continues to be one of our largest fundraising activities with HRS volunteers family & friends cleaning 38.49 km of rural ditches/year over the past 5 years. HRS volunteers participate in a local fundraising community BBQ & promote the HRS activities. We assist the Hanna Ladies Auxiliary Rummage Sale another local non-profit group with volunteer labor & free storage space for surplus items until delivery can be made to other needy groups. We continue to host the annual community Non-denominational Church Service at the Hanna Roundhouse (no charge) to support community efforts to bring people together for music verse friendship with the Ministerial Association sponsoring a BBQ. We have space to accommodate large groups not available elsewhere. Local railway history continues to grow as we share with visitors through private/public HRS events & upon request. Roundhouse History tours continue for private/public groups or individuals schools & tours led by HRS volunteers. Our History Board displays allow visitors the opportunity to read local newspaper archives donated railroader stories photos & memorabilia which we cherish. We continue to learn from visitors & railroader ancestors more about our building & keep the stories alive. This priceless information continues to teach HRS volunteers about those who once worked in our roundhouse during the days of coal steam & prairies railways. Items donated from railroader families in honor of their ancestor helps keep their stories alive.

The Hanna Roundhouse Society registered with Harvest Host a membership-based organization which connects North American RV travellers to unique unforgettable private camp sites. Our 8.97 acres & historic venue has been attracting Harvest Host tourists in exchange for admission & a tour which supports our restoration projects. All RV units must be self contained with water & power. Roundhouse Bay 1 was assessed by RJC Engineering for permanent stabilization along with the 1920 Turntable. When funds are available this assessment will be used for a Request for Proposal for the work & hiring a contractor to complete the work. A Mackenzie Northern Rail Caboose was donated to the HRS for the cost of delivery. This has opened doors to share more caboose history more exhibits & climbing up to the cupola lookout has been enjoyed by a couple Grade 2 school classes. A Memorial Celebration was held at the Hanna Roundhouse for the last Machinist who worked in the Roundhouse to 1958. He was 87 when he attending a CN Retiree Reunion we held when we were awarded our Provincial Historic Resource & he returned from Port Albernie B.C 3 more times. His last wish was to have his family Celebration at the RH since he was being interred in a community nearby. There were 2 beautiful wedding ceremonies at the Hanna Roundhouse: One in June consisted of the Reception Dance & Gift opening the following day; One in July held the Wedding Ceremony Reception Dance & Gift opening the following day. The parties each had their own vision both were beautifully decorated & the HRS received many positive comments from the bridal parties & those in attendance. Mid-July HRS volunteers installed storm windows over 15 South Transom Windows & by the end of 2023 a set of 17’ wooden engine doors (each with a 5’x 5’ sash windows) were repaired & restored. The HRS hosted Hanna's September Rodeo Trade Show since the regular venue was not available. History continues to be added to our displays. Grant fund approval for the Phase 1 Roundhouse Rehabilitation Project to connect water/sewer power & heated washrooms by Mar 2025 will create new opportunities at the roundhouse & attract more user groups/tourists to Hanna. The Roundhouse will remain a seasonal building until more rehabilitation phases are completed. More restoration work is planned for 2024. We continue to work hard to create more restoration projects & attract more people to Hanna.