Latest News
“Winter” Hours
The museum is now operating on our winter hours schedule. Please note that we are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
September 2018 Watershed Moments
Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Photo credit: Threshing on the Duncan farm at Sandwick, ca. 1895. Photo: CDM Stubbs Collection. Page 57. Photo caption: "...Farmers settling on both the lower and upper prairies were eager to bring their produce and manufactured goods to market. The most efficient way to handle Courtenay's freight was to barge milled lumber, agricultural products, grains and household goods to and from the head of navigation on the Courtenay River, immediately downstream from the Courtenay River Bridge..." Page 56.
Book Launch: Dancing in Gumboots
Time and Date: 1-4 pm, Saturday, September 29, 2018 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Free event; suitable for all ages. Join us to celebrate the launch of Dancing in Gumboots: the sequel anthology to the extraordinarily successful Gumboot Girls. Fascinated by the stories of women who travelled to the Comox Valley in the 1970s, Lou Allison and Jane Wilde return to their dynamic partnership to bring us an anthology that shines a light on these trailblazing women and their unique stories. Expect a drop-in, casual event with refreshments, music and a chance to mingle with many of the contributing authors. [...]
Potlatch 67-67: The Potlatch Ban – Then and Now
On now at Comox Valley Art Gallery Potlatch 67-67: The Potlatch Ban - Then and Now examines the impact of the attempted cultural genocide through the potlatch ban and the resilience of Indigenous people in maintaining and reclaiming traditional cultural practices and in creating new forms of cultural expression. 2018 marks the 67th year since the Canadian government's Potlatch Ban was lifted, after it was imposed on Indigenous people for 67 years. Nagezdi, Rob Everson Hereditary Chief of the Gigalgam Walas Kwaguł, recognized that many Canadians do not understand the history of Indigenous peoples. He envisioned an Indigenous art exhibition and cultural program that [...]
2018 AGM Coming Up
The Annual General Meeting of the Courtenay and District Historical Society will take place at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 19th in the museum Rotary Gallery. New members welcome!
August 2018 Watershed Moments
Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image Photo credit: Cousins Edith Bates (in back), Reg Biscoe, George Bates and Marjorie Biscoe with Bingo at Seal Bay, ca. 1926. The Bates family had a beach cottage at Seal Bay, not too far from the Biscoes' summer home at Kye Bay. Like other Comox Valley children they enjoyed an idyllic existence in the outdoors, with unspoiled beaches close by. Photo: CDM 988.197.133. Photo caption: "Seal Bay Park, a treasure [...]
Periodical Wisdom: August 2018
We've scoured the archives for women's magazines and periodicals to share some advice from the good old days. Sage advice courtesy of the August 1932 McCall's magazine on how to get the most out of bathing. That includes the recommendation of adding three special baths to your regime each week: a fatigue bath, a wake-up bath and a luxury bath.
August 2018 Gift Shop News
Summer is in full swing and the museum shop has a large variety of unique, locally made gifts perfect for visitors and locals alike. Top 10 summer sellers: Vancouver Island T-shirts (check out the photo) and Vancouver Island Car Decals - made by West Coast Karma Elasmo Chocolate Bars - made by Hot Chocolates Elasmo Coffee - roasted by Royston Roasting Stuffed Elasmosaurs and Ammonites - made by Ding Ding Dillio Crafts Greeting Cards - by Debbie Bowles of Winking Owl Designs 100% Cotton Dish Cloths - by Knotty Handmade Creations Elasmosaur Baseball Hats - by HiTec Printing Original Artwork and Prints - by [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Native Son’s Hall 80th Birthday
She's reached another milestone...80 years since the inaugural dance was held in the Native Sons Hall. What a night that must have been! Movers, shakers and contractors from near and far are all listed in this article from the Courtenay Free Press of August 15, 1928. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs at the Royal British Columbia Museum
On now at the Royal BC Museum Don't forget to check out this new exhibit if you're heading down to the capital. Drawn from the collections of some of the world's most prestigious museums, the exhibition makes its North American debut in Victoria and will be on view until December 31, 2018. Artifacts have been carefully selected from four key ancient Egyptian collections: the Egyptian Museum in Berlin, Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum in Hildesheim, Gustav Lübcke Museum in Hamm and University Museum of Aberdeen. Read More
Periodical Wisdom: July 2018
We've scoured the archives for women's magazines and periodicals to share some advice from the good old days. This month's write-up is particularly timely as the McCall's of July 1931 offers some tips on how to make your houseguests feel comfortable.
BC Day Closure
The museum will be closed on Monday, August 6th. Wishing everyone a safe and happy BC Day holiday.
July 2018 Gift Shop News
The gift shop is now decked out for summer with plenty of "beach-themed" items to enjoy. There are two fabulous new books in store. The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest by J. Duane Sept provides an amazing photographic guide to local tidal pool creatures. And there is The Beachcomber's Companion by Anna Marlis Burgard with beautiful illustrations by Jillian Ditner. Both books are worth looking into. The most popular field guides are Seashells and Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest by Rick Harbo and the Identification of Pebbles by Eileen Van der Flier-Keller. These handy take-alongs are covered in plastic to [...]