The Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women is far more than just a museum or a cultural venue—it is a true symbol of the fight for equality. This centre highlights the legacy of the “Famous Five,” a group that secured pivotal rights for women across Canada. In this article on calgarynka, we explore the Famous 5 Centre in Calgary, a landmark that can rightfully be called a local “temple of feminism.”
Who Were the “Famous Five”?
The “Famous Five” were a group of visionary women from Alberta who championed the rights of women and children. In 1927, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Emily Murphy, and Irene Parlby petitioned the federal government to recognize women’s right to serve as senators. This bold move was a major step toward gender equality in Canada and ignited the first wave of feminism. Their efforts led to a historic legal victory declaring that women are indeed “qualified persons” eligible for appointment to the Senate.
For a long time, they were known simply as the “Alberta Five,” but given how they reshaped the nation’s history, they are now celebrated as the “Famous Five.” Each of these women dedicated her life to politics, advocacy, and community service. Their unwavering determination paved the way for Canadian women to enter politics and public administration.
Their legacy is honoured through memorial plaques in the Senate of Canada, bronze sculptures by Canadian artist Barbara Paterson in both Ottawa and Calgary, parks in Edmonton, and the dedicated centre in Calgary discussed below.
About the Centre
The Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women opened its doors in Calgary in 2014. The building is essentially an enhanced replica of the Calgary home where Nellie McClung lived from 1923 to 1932, during her time in the Alberta Legislature.
Inside, the centre features classrooms, event spaces, and exhibition galleries. The exhibits chronicle the struggle for women’s rights and offer a glimpse into Nellie McClung’s daily life in the early 20th century. The centre also hosts educational programs for students and adults.
Nellie McClung’s original Calgary home still stands and is designated as a historical site. However, the centre is a modernized version, featuring an updated electrical system, a walkout lower level, and a footprint that is 17% larger than the original. The centre is situated within Heritage Park Historical Village.
Heritage Park Historical Village is a sprawling living history museum and one of the city’s top attractions. Exhibits here span Western Canadian history from the 1860s to the 1950s. It is worth noting that the Park and the Famous 5 Centre operate seasonally, typically opening for the May long weekend and holidays.
About Nellie McClung
Nellie McClung was a prominent member of the Famous Five. A determined and eloquent activist, politician, and author, she made her mark early on. As a young woman, she was active in the temperance movement and played a pivotal role in winning the right to vote for women in Manitoba.
In 1921, she was elected to the Alberta Legislature, which prompted her move to Calgary. Before joining forces with the other four women, she served as a Liberal MLA for Calgary and was a prolific writer of novels and newspaper articles.
Her original residence was constructed around 1900. It features architectural elements typical of the Tudor Revival style, including asymmetrical massing, stucco-filled half-timbering, and a steep, pitched roof.
Ultimately, the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women in Calgary is more than just a museum; it is a monument to memory that honours five extraordinary women. A visit here serves as a powerful reminder of why the fight for equality must continue today. Remember, all change begins with determination, and the freedom of women is the freedom of the entire nation.