Rutherford House, Edmonton

Rutherford House is a historic building and museum located in the Strathcona area of Edmonton. Built in 1911, it was the home of Alexander Cameron Rutherford, Alberta’s first Premier, until his death in 1941. Situated near the University of Alberta, the house was originally named Achnacarry by the Rutherford family, after their ancestral home in Scotland. Today, it is known as the Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site and has been designated as an Alberta provincial historic site.

Constructed for $25,000, the two-story structure showcases architectural elements drawn from the Elizabethan and Jacobean styles. It features a red brick exterior with sandstone trim, tall chimneys, columned porches, and striking two-story bay windows. Inside, the house was built to accommodate both domestic life and social functions. Highlights include 11-foot ceilings, a grand oak staircase in the central hall, oak paneling, and a stained glass skylight. The dining room is the largest space, measuring 350 square feet, with fir wainscoting, decorative ceiling beams, and a broad 12-foot bay window.

In 1966, the house was slated for demolition as part of the University of Alberta’s expansion plans. However, thanks to efforts led by the University Women’s Club and growing public support, the Alberta government intervened and saved the building. In 1970, it was officially preserved as a historic site. Operated by Alberta Culture (Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women), the site has also benefited from support from the Friends of Rutherford House, a non-profit organization formed in 1985 to assist with its upkeep and programming.

Today, Rutherford House stands as a symbol of Alberta’s early political history and Edwardian-era architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the province’s founding leaders.