Latest News
Collection Selections July 2022
CDM 977.6.4 For this edition of Collection Selections, we’re taking a look at this early 1900s Pearson’s Nailer, a predecessor to the modern nail gun. To use it: simply fill the upper canister with nails, shake and tap it until they’ve fallen into their respective slots, and strike the punch rod to drive consecutive nails below. The beauty in this design lies in several details such as the elegant fibonacci-curled springs, a simple mechanism to allow one nail at a time to pass into the chamber with each strike, as well as the converging nail channels mimicking a tributary to minimise jamming. [...]
Vaux’s Swift 2022 Highlights
Swifts on Oak-Beeville Texas 2013. Photo by: Jason Collins The Vaux’s Swifts made their appearance again this year, the fifth year in a row. We're excited that this year there was a record number with one evening in late May of 8,500 birds. The museum installed a live camera on the roof and ran the live stream of visits on YouTube. Courtenay is the most northern recorded stop in civilization as they move north.
Collection Selections June 2022
CDM 2013.107.2 For this edition of Collection Selections, we’re celebrating The Queen’s platinum jubilee by taking a look at this Queen Coronation doll made by Betsy Howard in the 1950s. Betsy lived in Merville with her husband John (the namesakes of Howard Road), then Comox and finally Nanoose. Betsy became known internationally for her hand-crafted dolls before her untimely death in 1956. This doll was donated with a collection of 7 others, all made by Betsy Howard, in 2013.
We’re Hiring
Thanks to Canada Summer Jobs 2022, the museum has three opportunities for summer students this year. One position is filled, and the two remaining positions are: Collections Assistant and Natural History Assistant. If you, or someone you know is interested, please send your resume to info@courtenaymuseum.ca.
Pride Month in the Comox Valley
We're celebrating Pride Month by looking back on a landmark court case for the LGBTQ2 community that has a Comox Valley connection. Jim Egan and Jack Nesbit, long time residents of the Comox Valley, challenged the Government of Canada to receive spousal benefits, a case that made it all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. Jim and Jack, who both passed away in 2000 are featured in this first Heritage Minute on an LGBTQ2 theme, released in 2018. More Information on the Story Watch the Heritage Minute
Summer Fossil Tours 2022
We’re excited to announce that the popular fossil tours are now available seven days a week for the summer season. These tour options are perfect for all ages, newcomers and returning enthusiasts. For more information and to book your tour, please call (250) 334 - 0686 ext. 2 or send an email to info@courtenaymuseum.ca. Click for More Details
We Are Open Canada Day!
The museum will be open from 11:00 to 4:00 on Canada day and everyone is welcome to enjoy the day with music from Alan Jossul (11:00-3:00) and activities for the whole family. 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.
June is National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month and it honours the history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. As the Government of Canada states, “This history stretches long into the past before the arrival of the European newcomers with diverse interactions among different peoples, flourishing trade and fierce conflict, and competition for lands and resources. The history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis is essentially the very history of Canada as they have played and continue to play important roles in its development and its future.” Continue Reading
Celebrate this Summer
Along with improved weather, June warms us all up with a month full of recognition and celebration for diverse communities across Canada. Here are a few connections to what’s happening across Canada to honour Canada’s diversity. June National Indigenous History Month Italian Heritage Month Filipino Heritage Month Portuguese Heritage Month Pride Month June 24 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day June 27 Canadian Multiculturalism Day July 1 Canada Day
It’s All There in Black and White: Father’s Day Gift Ideas from 1960
With Father’s Day coming up on June 19, this Woodland’s Drug Store ad provides ideas for dads in this June 8, 1960 page of the Comox District Free Press. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
National Indigenous Peoples Day in K’ómoks
A day to celebrate rich unique heritage and diverse culture of Indigenous people. Celebrating First Nation, Inuit and Métis - Honouring and learning about the land we stand on. We live, work and play on traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Pentlatch,E’ikᵚsan and K’ómoks First Nation. Featuring: Aunty Toni’s Bannock will be on site! Information Tables Artisans Kids FUN Zone Ladies Drum Group Fundraising Loonie Toonie Auction Pow Wow Dancing w/ Dean ‘Little Light’ Quiring, Siksika Nation All events will take place inside the Cultural Bighouse and will be by donation. But no one turned away! Agenda: 4pm - 430pm Welcome from K’ómoks [...]
May 2022 Gift Shop News
The Creative Eye @ the Courtenay Museum Gift Shop Ever wonder who the creative eye is behind purchasing at the museum gift shop? Gillian Miller, Visitor Services and Gift Shop Manager has a long history of knowing what visitors like. Having formerly managed the Chemainus Information Centre and worked with the Comox Valley Chamber as well as having international tourism experience, Gillian orders items that please most visitors. Enthusiastic about items made locally or from afar, Gillian says, “I am always looking for new unique gifts. This week, some amazing new items have arrived from the Eric & Christopher line. They’re high quality [...]
Laver’s Department Store Building Turns 100
992.9.6 This month marks the 100th anniversary of the T. Booth & Sons store opening at the corner of Cliffe Avenue and 5th Street in May 1922. Mr. R. Laver purchased the building in 1927 after a prosperous season in the space, and Laver’s Department Store remained open until the Spring of 1989. Over the last century, the building has been the home to many businesses: Laver’s Department Store, Zocalo Cafe, Cornerstone Taphouse to name a few.