Latest News
Holiday Wishes
CDM 990.17.82 As the festive season approaches, the Courtenay and District Museum board and staff would like to extend wishes to all for a wonderful and safe holiday. Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to you and yours!
It’s All There in Black and White: A Mystery from 1980
Do you remember this mystery from 1980? It involved WWII air force flags, the Courtenay Hotel and a couple of unnamed pranksters. Check out this article from the November 21st edition of the Comox District Free Press to get the full story. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Gift Shop News: Christmas 2015
With Christmas being just around the corner, now is the ideal time for gift hunting. Children are fun to shop for but sometimes it is difficult to find the perfect stocking stuffers. In our gift shop we have a ton of fun and reasonably priced gifts. Museum members receive a 15% discount on all non-consignment items year round. Here are the top ten best sellers for $10 or under: 1. Beaded Bracelets Available in twelve different colours - $0.50 2. Dinosaur Snap Band In red, blue or black - $1.50 3. Dinosaur fossil or skeleton excavation kit $3.50 4. Dinosaur Water Game $4.50 5. [...]
Courtenay’s Centennial: Light for Fire Alarm Bell
Throughout this year, the museum newsletter will be providing glimpses into the back story on the City's Incorporation, history and development. An interesting note in the October 19, 1922 Comox Argus sheds some light on the City’s early firefighting efforts. Once a fire was reported, the bell at St. George’s Church was rung to alert the members of the brigade to the emergency. Light for Fire Alarm Bell "The City Clerk is to write to the Board of Managers of St. George’s Presbyterian Church asking permission to put a light near the Fire Alarm bell rope so that the bell can be rung without [...]
We Remember
On Remembrance Day we remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. This month we also remember with great respect, Margaret Sarah (Maudy) Hobson (November 9, 1922- October 21, 2015) For more information, click here. The Courtenay and District Museum lost a long-time friend and board member this month with the passing of Harry Squire on October 31. More information, click here.
Writers and Books Launch
The public is invited to a book launch for Writers and Books, Comox Valley 1865-2015. This volume from the Comox Valley Writers Society celebrates 180 Comox Valley writers whose work has appeared over the past 150 years. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event at the Courtenay and District Museum on Thursday, December 3 at 7pm. The doors will open at 6:30 pm.
12 Days of Christmas Special
For Museum Members Only The museum offers a 25% discount in our gift shop for all members starting Tuesday, December 1 through to Saturday, December 12. The sale does not apply to merchandise that is already marked down or on consignment. The museum shop has many fabulous gifts to choose from so come in and take advantage of this membership bonus.
Off to a Flying Start
The Comox Valley's newest history book, Watershed Moments, got off to a flying start at its launch last month. The hard cover coffee table book that features more than 150 photographs from the collection of the Courtenay and District Museum is garnering terrific reviews. Sales have been brisk so make sure you pick up your book soon. Copies are available at the museum gift shop, Laughing Oyster Bookshop and Blue Heron Books. Click here for more details
Lecture: Soul of Wilderness
Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, November 17, 2015 Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum Speakers: John Baldwin and Linda Bily 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. Partners, co-authors and photographers Baldwin and Bily have ventured into the magical landscapes of the Coast Mountains. Travelling by foot and ski, their goal was simply to experience and document as much of these remote places as possible - to wander across the high meadows, ski from mountain tops and revel in the [...]
Elasmosaur Birthday & Christmas Party
Party Time! It's time once again for our annual open house in honor of the Elasmosaur's birthday. This year he is 80,000,027 years young! Be sure to drop in to help us celebrate his birthday and the start to the Christmas season from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, November 14th. Click Here for Details
This Space for Rent
Did you know that the museum has two spaces available to rent for public gatherings? The spacious first floor Rotary Gallery has seen many a lecture, presentation and party. There is also a space on the second floor known as the Dogwood Gallery. This area can accommodate approximately 25 people in theatre style seating or comfortably seat 10 around the board room table. Wifi is available. Rental of the Dogwood or Rotary Galleries is on a first come/first served basis. For more information on rental fees and requirements please give us a call at 250-334-0686 ext 5.
Courtenay’s Centennial: Bumpy sidewalks
Throughout this year, the museum newsletter will be providing glimpses into the back story on the City's Incorporation, history and development. Bumpy sidewalks When did Courtenay first adopt its "cobblestone" sidewalks? According to the Comox District Free Press of March 12, 1980, the first section went in along the east side of Cliffe Avenue near the 5th Street intersection that spring. (Psst. For long-timers that’s in front of the demolished Bank of Commerce building). City works chief Stan Janzen went on to say that "similar sidewalks are being planned for Fifth St. as part of a proposed downtown refurbishment scheme. Installing the blocks at [...]
2016 Calendar Here
The 2016 Comox Valley calendar is now available. Members of the Comox Valley Photographic Society have donated time and talent to create this work and 100% of the profits from its sale go to the Comox Valley Food Bank to assist individuals and families who need a helping hand. Be sure to drop in to our gift shop and purchase your copy of the 2016 calendar - it's a beautiful way to support a worthy cause.