What is the Dusty Compass?
What is the Museum's main focus?
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The museums main focus is about minerals, gemstones and mined natural resources that were discovered by the contracted team of adventurers, invested by the British North American Empire within the "Palliser Triangle" during the exploration boom of the early to mid-1800's. This was an exciting time of the early birth of Western Canada advancement exploration and the strength of the country as a whole. The Expedition was lead by the trailblazer, "Captain" John Palliser, who wasn't afraid of trekking across unknown lands, meeting and making relationships with wonderful new and already understood cultures, surviving wild climates, and environments for the thrill of the hunt of territory's undiscovered and waiting to be unearthed.... but this journey was very risky and often treacherous and at the time many were not brave enough with the right tact to be able to connect with the already existing residents, gatekeepers, and various groups of communities..
The Dusty Compass was created to honor the indepenant brave pioneers who traveled across Canada to make such incredible discoveries such as Gold, Diamonds, Coal, Natural Gas, Sodium and so much more. Also, to honor the modern travelers of today that are making their own routes like collectors, Geologists, Surveyors, Locals, Artisanal Mining owners, and wild rock-hounds themselves.
After the discoveries were shared to the head of operations, a migration of curious pioneers began to move through to the west. Railways were installed, rough roads began to form and communities were created. Material began to be extracted as the movement of mineral innovators rolled through Western Canada at the time. Through it all, each individual, whether it be a rich mining operator, or a small simple family of homesteaders carried with them a compass. This was always a must-have pocket tool for the sake of survival in any condition and in any location!
This is a tool that is still used today, by travelers, miners, and Rock-Hounders, but in the form of a digital framework and this is through the means of GPS. Many incredible discoveries are happening in live-time still and with even more accessibly due to the access of public satellite tools and equipment in replace of a tiny handheld compass, that was once used.
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What kind of Minerals can I find at this museum
Currently the Dusty Compass Museum offers a unique display of many 1000+ different types of minerals and resources, all the way from Gemstones and Crystals to household chemicals that are made from Canadian and North American mined materials. There is even a display of fossils, such as our very special, GIANT Alberta AMMOLITE named "Big Red" that you can place your Rock- Hound Paws on, called "Big Red".
Even a UV glow in the dark cabinet, Uranium and so much more.
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The Dusty Compass also offers varieties of showcases of Artistic works with a dynamic display unit in the center, that changes every month so there is always something new and exciting for travelers to come back to visit and see.
This museum offers a unique perspective from a young Canadian in a mini- museum fashion that you will not find anywhere else, curated by the young Entrepreneur Owner & Operator, Rock Wrangler Reese (and Mom to help)!
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What is the cost of admission?
The admission is by a pay-as-you-will donation only, to help support this young entrepreneurs dream. This method allows for all budgets to feel welcome to come visit and enjoy learning together.
Your donation helps this young business owner to work at building a community of positive driven Rock Hunters and collectors and to spread the knowledge and dream to inspire others. To help others to discover new finds and explore uncharted territories, where no Rock-Hounder has gone before!
Where is the Museum Located?
In Southwest Saskatchewan, 30 mins East from the Alberta Boarder off highway 321 in the tiny town called Liebenthal, Saskatchewan. The museum is located behind the Liebenthal Community Hall on a private property that is independently owned privately inside the Green Quonset at the end of the driveway .
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What are your hours of operation?
Due to the unpredictable weather that occurs in Saskatchewan, Canada...The Dusty Compass Museum & gift shop is only open on Weekends during the warm summer and fall season.
Times on Sunny Saturdays & Sundays is 10am to 5pm only.
