Latest News
It’s All There in Black and White: The Origin of Simms Park
Big changes were afoot in 1981 for the property we now know as Simms Park with major land alteration underway as noted in this May 18 Comox District Free Press article. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image
Lecture: Nootka Sound Crisis
Time and Date: 7 pm, Wednesday, May 10, 2017 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Catherine Gilbert 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. Questions about the settlement of Nootka Island will be explored by historian Catherine Gilbert in her pictorial presentation about the Nootka Sound Crisis. Gilbert will also discuss the role played by the Mowachaht and the relationship between successive European captains and the powerful Mowachaht Chief Maquinna. Continue Reading
April 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: Coke ovens at Union Bay, ca. 1905. CDM 979.3.31 Photo caption: "In 1895, James Dunsmuir’s Union Coal Company built two rows of fifty ovens into an embankment on a foundation of limestone quarried on Denman Island. Workers built the ovens, which were eleven feet in diameter, with angled brick imported from Scotland. Japanese labourers and several Scottish bricklayers brought over specially for the project did much of the work with teams of horses." Page 55.
April 2017 Gift Shop News
There are many new and exciting items arriving at the museum gift shop. Just in is a delivery from the UK-based “Elite” tins. A favourite from amongst their giftware is the Emma Bridgewater designed children’s dishes. Each set consists of a dinosaur themed plate, bowl and cup – all contained within a matching carry case. An adorable pattern and very high quality item. This would be a terrific gift for any young dinosaur fan. Easter is coming and if you are looking for something a bit different than the usual candy or rabbit stuffy here is a great alternative.
It’s All There in Black and White: Local Account of Vimy Ridge
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The following account, attributed to an unnamed wounded Canadian soldier, appeared on the front page of the April 14, 1917 Cumberland Islander newspaper.
Lecture: The Promise of Paradise, Utopian Communities in British Columbia
Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Andrew Scott 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. From Doukhobor farmers to Finnish coal miners, Quakers and hippies, many groups have struggled to build idealistic colonies in BC's inspiring landscape. While most discovered hardship, disillusionment and failure, new groups sprang up-and continue to spring up-to take their place. Continue Reading
Education Programmes
You might have heard that the museum is popular with students interested in our fossil programmes. After all, almost 7 000 pupils from near and far took part in palaeontology classes during the 2015/2016 school year. But did you know that we offer everything from Early Settlement to Courtenay Riverway Walks? Click for Details
March 2017 Gift Shop News
This March is "Silver Sale" month at the museum gift shop. We have a limited amount of silver plated and pewter items discounted a whopping 50% off the original ticketed price. These items are perfect for a wedding or anniversary, or a very "west coast" gift for visitors from aboard. Items available at time of publication include: salmon or frog design servers, cheese knife, frog design bowl, cake server, napkin rings, bottle stoppers, and jewellery boxes. As the saying goes "hurry in while supplies last!"
March Watershed Moments
Here now is an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District. Enjoy! Photo credit: Races, fair days and parades all passed through the original city centre near the Courtenay Hotel. CDM P55-230a. Page 59. Photo caption: "Courtenay's town centre on the east side of the river began with people like William Lewis, who saw the proximity of Green's Slough and the navigable head of Courtenay River as being advantageous to business. Lewis bought this central plot of land in1881 from Charles Green." Page 63.
It’s All There in Black and White: A Shark in Comox
A rather unusual occurrence at Comox Wharf from the March 21, 1935 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Click for Larger Image
Spring Fling and Easter Things
Excitement is building for the Spring Fling and Easter Things event held here at the museum on Saturday, April 1 from 11 am to 2 pm. Please join us for a petting zoo courtesy of the Shamrock Gumboots 4H Club as well as games, crafts, mascot visits and more. Click for Details
Lecture: Aloha Wanderwell
The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World's Youngest Explorer Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speaker: Randolph Eustace-Walden 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. By the age of 25, Aloha Wanderwell had become a pilot, a film star, an ambassador for world peace, and the centrepiece of one of the biggest unsolved murder mysteries in California history. Her story defied belief, but it was true. Every bit of it. Except for [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Television 1971
What television programs would you have been watching in 1971? With a whopping seven channels to choose from you could go with The Pig and Whistle on Monday night and Marcus Welby, M.D. on Tuesday. This schedule from the Comox District Free Press of February 10 provides a real entertainment flashback for those who recall TV before the advent of remotes. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.