The years since 1980.(Central Alberta Chapter )

The years from 1980 to the turn of the century and beyond, to 2007, were ones that saw the consolidation of our three chapters, and expansion, with the addition of the Central Alberta Chapter in 1995.

The first three chapters--Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge--continued their regular programming and focussed on the areas of most importance to them. The Lethbridge chapter combined regular programming with a wide-ranging publications and commemorative plaque program. Edmonton added special spring tours to their on-going monthly programming while Calgary's monthly programs were supplemented with a variety of special events.

As in the past years, the venue for the Annual General Meeting for the HSA rotated among the chapters, with special celebrations or opportunities to combine with other historical groups sometimes adjusting that rotation. Themes for these meetings were varied. These meetings were a combination of history, education, local tours relating to the theme, entertainment, and the opportunity to renew friendships with other members from throughout the province.

During the entire history of Society, such chapter-sponsored provincial gatherings have had a major role to play in widening our members' horizons and giving us opportunities to experience the history and the historians of our varied areas.

In 1995, a special banquet was held to honour businesses that had been serving Albertans for at least 75 years. This special event was a great success, but unfortunately was not continued in subsequent years.

An unusual AGM took place in 1999, when we co-sponsored, along with the Treaty Eight First Nations, the "Centennial 1899" conference. This meeting was held in Grouard, in northern Alberta, in conjunction with the special commemorative event held there by the Treaty Eight First Nations.

A joint annual meeting with our sister organization from Saskatchewan was held in Lloydminster, AB/Sask in 2005 to celebrate our provinces' 100th anniversaries.