Shari Peyerl - Author Talk

The fascinating exploration of a vanished settlement in Glenbow Ranch
Provincial Park, told within the framework of an archaeologist’s memoir.
While excavating Alberta’s most important historic sandstone quarry, archaeologist and oral
historian Shari Peyerl uncovers fascinating clues about the province’s past. From metal fragments
and dusty artifacts, she pieces together a story about a settlement situated in today’s
picturesque Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Chronicling the development of ranching, village
life, industry, and the Canadian Pacific Railway, Alberta’s Cornerstone is an engaging and
authoritative history that reads like an archaeological detective story.
As Peyerl dispels archaeological myths, explains scientific techniques, and shares the excitement
of unearthing lost histories, she introduces readers to a colourful array of characters who
once lived at Glenbow, including a local embezzler, Alberta’s first graduate nurse, a Canadian
soccer champion, an acclaimed mathematician, and a member of an international spy agency.
Written for the general public, the detective-like attention to detail of this carefully annotated
book will also appeal to historical scholars. Beautifully illustrated with modern colour photographs
and many historic photographs (including fifteen previously unpublished), Alberta’s
Cornerstone brings the ghosts of Glenbow to life.
SHARI PEYERL is an archaeologist, archivist, oral historian, and writer, who holds BSc and
MA degrees in archaeology from the University of Calgary. She has volunteered at Glenbow
Ranch Provincial Park since 2009 and enjoys giving tours and presentations about its history
and archaeology. She created The People of Glenbow Family Photo Album, on display in the
park Interpretive Centre. Peyerl loves using clues from written and oral history, archaeology
and genealogy to reveal how ordinary people contributed to history.