Helen LaRose

Helen LaRose

Helen LaRose was born and educated in Saskatchewan. She began her career in the cultural sector in 1966, when she was hired by the John Walter Museum in Edmonton. In 1968 she became the Historical Sites Custodian, during which time she undertook research for the construction of Fort Edmonton, catalogued the artifacts, and planned the first pioneer programs at the Museum.

In 1973 she was appointed Manager of the newly-established City of Edmonton Archives. The same year she completed the Archives Administration and Records Management course at the University of Alberta. Over the course of her archival career she was very active in many professional organizations, including the Historical Society of Alberta, the Archives Society of Alberta, and the Association of Records Managers and Administrators.

In recognition of her outstanding work, Helen has received many awards, including the Historical Society of Alberta’s award for Outstanding Contributions to Alberta History. She officially retired as the City Archivist in 1993, but still maintains close ties with the institution she helped to create, as a regular volunteer.