Latest News
U’maga̱lis Helen Mary Rowena Everson (nee Frank)
We will miss friend, advisor and Board member Mary Everson who provided friendship, research background, advice and wisdom to the Courtenay and District Museum staff for over thirty five years. Mary generously shared her family and cultural history and context and we are grateful for her knowledge.
Feature Exhibit at the Nanaimo Museum
stem ‘al’u ‘u’ ni xe’xe: What is Sacred? will be on display at the Nanaimo Museum from now until November 18th, 2023. Coast Salish art is a distinct style among the art of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The exhibit explores the past, present and future of Coast Salish art, highlighting a selection of artists from Snuneymuxw and other nations of the mid-island region.
Downtown Courtenay Market Day
This year's Downtown Courtenay Market Day will take place on Saturday, July 22nd from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Explore and experience what downtown Courtenay has to offer, and make sure you stop by the museum from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for one of our weekly Saturday Kids' Craft events.
BC Day Closure
The museum will be closed on Sunday, August 6th and Monday, August 7th. Wishing everyone a safe and happy BC Day holiday!
Rescue from the Glacier
CDM 989.183.161 - S.B.W. (Dusty) d’Esterre photograph. In July of 1939, Alex Walker and his companion Dave Aitken set out prospecting in the vicinity of the Cliffe Glacier, amid steep slopes and jagged peaks. Walker fell ill and had to wait alone for four and a half days for rescue crews to arrive. In the meantime, a float plane was dispatched from Comox to drop supplies at the site. Walker was carried out to Comox Lake by six burly loggers who had to winch him up and over several steep cliffs and down a waterfall to safety.
Kids’ Craft Saturdays
Be sure to stop by before the end of the summer break. From now until August 26th, from 11am to 1pm, the Courtenay and District Museum will continue Kids' Craft Saturdays. Join our Kids Craft Coordinator, Hannah, as she guides youth and parents through the steps to make new weekly creations you can take home. The museum provides all materials and tools needed for the event.
Take Our New Survey
If you’ve been to the museum recently, we’re interested in your feedback. Fill out our short survey to explore what people enjoy and where they’re visiting from.
It’s All There in Black and White: British Columbia Wildfires in 1993
As this year’s forest fires continue to make headlines, we take a look back 30 years to this front page story from the July 30th, 1993 edition of the Comox District Free Press.
New Exhibit at the Cumberland Museum
A Seat at the Table: Chinese Immigration and British Columbia is an opportunity to consider the contributions that Chinese migrants and their descendants have made to British Columbia, a province built from the interaction of successive and concurrent waves of migration and uninterrupted occupation by Indigenous peoples. Learn more about the exhibit on the Cumberland Museum website.
June 2023 Gift Shop News
There are lots of new and exciting products coming to the museum gift shop this month, so be sure to check out the new arrivals before they’re sold out!
Love Is in the Air
Did you know that the month of June is named after the Roman goddess Juno? Juno was the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Hera, who was believed to be connected with women, marriage, and family. Because of this connection, in ancient times, it was believed that getting married in June was lucky, and it would increase the likelihood of a long and happy union. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, our exhibit Dressed for the Occasion, on display in our upstairs gallery, will guide you through wedding dress styles throughout the late-19th to the 20th century.
Celebrate this Summer
Along with improved weather, June warms us all up with a month full of recognition and connections to diverse communities across Canada. Here is a selection of what people are doing to honour Canada’s diversity.
Canada Day Open House
Explore our country’s rich history this Canada Day by stopping by the museum’s open house from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. People of all ages are invited to celebrate the day with music from Alan Jossul and kids crafts provided by museum staff. Jossul is a local, nationally known, solo and ensemble guitarist. As an educator, he specializes in teaching students of all ages and levels to play and enjoy string fretted instruments.