Latest News
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.
Laughing Oyster Bookshop Book Club Night
6:30 pm, Thursday, November 5 Submitted by the Laughing Oyster Bookshop Laughing Oyster's autumn Book Club Night has become a tradition for staff, for members of book clubs and for book lovers at large. This year we are pleased to be partnering with the Courtenay and District Museum - hosting the evening in their Rotary Gallery. Each year "The Pearls" (our knowledgeable and helpful staff members) select a few favourites from the new books arriving daily. Book lovers seeking some new ideas for reading or clubs wanting to expand their lists will enjoy a stimulating evening over coffee and dessert. Tickets are $15 and [...]
Drumroll, please…
The launch party for the museum book Watershed Moments: A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District is set for Saturday, October 24th. Please join us for an illustrated talk beginning at 1 pm with refreshments and book signing to follow. Click here for more details
It’s All There in Black and White: Hallowe’en 1962
The year was 1962. "Monster Mash" was a hit song on the radio and locals celebrated Halloween by introducing soap to glass. Check out this article from the November 7th edition of the Comox District Free Press to see what else the police had to contend with. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Elasmosaur Birthday & Christmas Party
Kick off the season with a celebration combo! On Saturday, November 14th from 11 am – 4 pm, the museum is inviting the community to drop by for a visit and have some fun. Elasmosaur and fossil related activities will include dinosaur movies, fossil exhibits and a chance to talk to paleo experts for fossil identification. For those in a more Christmas frame of mind there will be a chance to make children’s Christmas crafts and enjoy a reading of “The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas”. Or maybe you’d just like to come by for some cake or goodies and enter your name for a [...]
New Book: Watershed Moments
Please save the date of Saturday, October 24th for the launch of the CDM's 2015 book project, Watershed Moments-A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District published with Harbour Publishing. Watershed Moments features over 140 images from the museum's vast collection of historical photographs, glass plate negatives and other ephemera scanned and improved by Ernst Vegt of Coast Imaging Arts. Spanning the mid-1800s to the 1950s, Watershed Moments invites you into a world of portraits, boating parties, family celebrations, agricultural events and economic activities. Local authors Christine Dickinson, Deborah Griffiths, Judy Hagen and Catherine Siba invite you to join them at the launch from 1-3 [...]
Back to School
Did you know that the Courtenay Museum offers a range of education programmes for groups of children? Check out the possibilities. Click here for our Education Programmes