Latest News
It’s All There in Black and White: Vanier Opening Day
Can you believe it's been 50 years since G.P. Vanier Senior Secondary School officially opened? This article from the April 10, 1968 Comox District Free Press contains interesting tidbits about the school and its' namesake. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
April 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: Courtenay's original city centre, ca. 1905. Walter Gage photograph. Photo: CDM 972.270.2. Page 62-63. Photo caption: ""Lewistown," as some called it, was just across from the head of the slough, at the junction of Dyke Road and Upper Prairie Road. It became a thriving commercial centre...Opposite the hotel was McKean & Biscoe's dry goods and grocery store. The Masonic Lodge met on the upper floor of this building [...]
April 2018 Gift Shop News
New season, new stock! The gift shop now carries Backroad Mapbooks. You can purchase the 8th edition of Vancouver Island - Victoria and Gulf Islands - Adventure maps and guide book for $25.95. This includes great information on parks, recreation sites, trails, fishing, hunting, paddling and more. Or what about one of the Backroad Mapbooks for Vancouver Island Fishing 3rd edition? This includes lakes and rivers, depth charts, maps, directions, species, tips and techniques and stock information. The cost is $27.95. To top it off, if you are looking for adventure topographic maps we have fabulous tear resistant, waterproof Vancouver Island South or North [...]
Lecture: A Perfect Eden
Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Michael Layland Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets recommended. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 5. In 1842, when explorer James Douglas encountered the rugged natural paradise that would become Vancouver Island, he described it as “a perfect Eden." This talk, based on Layland’s book of the same name, will touch on the early recorded histories and personal accounts left by Chinese seafarers, Spanish and British naval officers, traders seeking sea otter [...]
Royal British Columbia Museum: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Royal British Columbia Museum until April 2, 2018 A visitor favourite every year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns with a brand new selection of 100 of the most stunning images from around the world. Read More
It’s All There in Black and White: New Crematorium in the Comox Valley
This article from the March 7, 1986 Comox District Free Press provides details on the North Island's first crematorium located right here in the Comox Valley. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
March 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: Girl Guides depart from Royston train station, 1928. Left to right: Gladys Idiens, Joyce Edwards, Margaret Dunn, Dot Waterfield, Mrs. Mary Greig, Ritsuko Uchiyama, Lynn Hilton. Photo: CDM 990.16.26. Page 158-159. Photo caption: "The first E & N passenger train arrived in Courtenay on August 6, 1914. The August 13 Courtenay Review noted that the train "consisted of baggage and express cars and four coaches." The trip from [...]
Queen of North Lecture Coming Soon!
Time and Date: 7 pm, Thursday, March 15, 2018 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Colin Henthorne Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets recommended. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 5. Back by popular demand, Colin Henthorne will repeat his sold-out presentation about one of British Columbia's most serious marine tragedies. Click for More Details
Spring Fling and Easter Things
We're all set for this year's exciting and fun-packed Spring Fling and Easter Things event scheduled for Saturday, March 24 from 11am to 2pm here at the museum. Please join us for a petting zoo courtesy of the Shamrock Gumboots 4-H Club as well as games, crafts, and mascot visits. Click Here for Event Details
Life on the Spit: the Photographs of Elizabeth Quocksister
Museum at Campbell River until March 4, 2018 This exhibit showcases what life was like for the families living on the Campbell River Spit Reserve during the period from the early 1940s up until the late 1960s. The photographs were taken by local woman Elizabeth Quocksister and feature many people whose descendants are still living on the Reserve today. Psst! While technically open until March 4, it would be best to visit before February 19 because after that date the space will be shared with book sale tables. Click here for Visitor Information
Comox Valley Genealogy
The Comox Valley Genealogy Group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm in the Courtenay Library. Meetings feature guest speakers and a chance for members to share their discoveries. All are welcome! FMI: info@cvgenealogygroup.org
February 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: Florence Harmston and Sam Cliffe both sailed to Vancouver Island on the Silistria in 1862 and married a decade later in 1872. Photo: CDM 974.78.1 Page 14. Photo caption: "Ten years after his 1862 voyage, in April 1872, Sam Cliffe married Florence Harmston, who had made the same voyage on the Silistria at the age of six with her parents, William and Mary Harmston. According to family stories, the Harmstons had intended to continue their voyage [...]
Annual Spring Fling Approaching
If you like fuzzy animals and wacky hats (and let's face it, who doesn't?), you'll want to mark Saturday, March 24 on your calendar right now! That day is the annual "Spring Fling & Easter Things" event here at the museum from 11am to 2pm. Watch for more details in the March newsletter.