Latest News
In Memoriam
The Courtenay and District Museum lost a valued volunteer with the recent passing of Marjorie Thorpe. Marjorie had been working with the palaeontology collection for over two decades. Her dedication was evidenced through the detailed organization she brought to the collection. Marjorie’s work also spanned beyond the museum as she worked with palaeontologists and scientists around the world in arranging loans of the museum’s collection and research information. She played a pivotal role in the advancement of awareness of BC’s fossil history by serving on the Board of the British Columbia Palaeontological Alliance. Marjorie’s family will be hosting a Celebration of Life starting at [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: $10 Prize
A fun little snippet from the Cumberland Islander newspaper of March 26, 1936. How hard would you dance for $10 prize money? With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
March Gift Shop News
More new stock has arrived! The toy department has some really fun new additions. Instead of paint by numbers, we have paintable dinosaur models that are great for kids of all ages. There are also Savage T-Rex Soakers, Earth Movers Dino Diggers and large buckets of dinosaurs. A new favourite is the Magic Grow Aquarium - talk about care-free fish! The toy consists of a small plastic aquarium with two fish and a plant that "grow" when you add water. Three members of the museum staff have these aquariums and we have had so much fun comparing the tanks. For adults, the shop now [...]
Courtenay’s Centennial: Sandwick
Throughout this year, the museum newsletter will be providing glimpses into the back story on the City's Incorporation, history and development. An item from The Review newspaper of March 6, 1913 under the "Sandwick" column follows with the writer justly proud of the Sandwick area. "Newcomers continue to join our growing community and if only the supply of lumber were equal to the demand the growth and development of the choicest portion of the valley would be even more marked." The Sandwick area was annexed to the City of Courtenay in 2002.
Spring Fling and Easter Things Event
We hope you can join us for our annual spring event on Saturday, March 28 from 11 am to 2 pm. Admission is by donation with half of the proceeds going to the Shamrock Gumboots 4-H Club. There is a lot of family fun planned within the three hours. You can meet lambs, kids (baby goats), ducks, geese and chickens - all courtesy of the Shamrock Gumboots 4-H Club. We will also be visited by the Hot Chocolates Rabbit between 12 noon and 1 pm and he will be handing out delicious Easter chocolate. The Elasmosaur mascot will be making an appearance for fun [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Steamship Vacation
Time to plan your vacation getaway! This February 4, 1930 ad from the Courtenay Free Press offers return rates from Courtenay to British ports. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Heritage Week
February 16 - 22, 2015 Main Street, At the Heart of the Community "Main Street, King Street, Queen Street, Water Street, Broadway - whatever their name, Main Streets and traditional downtowns are at the heart of communities big and small across British Columbia. Centres of commerce, civic institutions, community commemoration and events, Main Streets embody the history and evolution of a community. Today many communities are leveraging the heritage of their downtowns as assets to stimulate tourism, attract new residents, provide affordable housing, and encourage investment by creating affordable space for smaller businesses and start-ups, as well as authentic retail experiences." Heritage BC The [...]
Curious Kids Club in February
The Curious Kids Club's coordinator has planned three fascinating topics for February. February 14: Underneath the Hearts February 21: Fruit of the Loom February 28: Fruit of the Loom Part 2 The Club runs on a drop in basis for kids aged 5 to 12. The charge is only $2 per child or FREE to folks with a museum family membership. Visit the Event Calendar for Details
It’s All There in Black and White: Tax Time 1964
An interesting 50 year old bit of trivia about something we all have to deal with - taxes. Check out the details from this Comox District Free Press article of January 6, 1965. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Gift Shop News January 2015
We are looking forward to another fun and exciting year at the Museum Gift Shop. 2014 was a record year in sales so thank you to everyone for helping us achieve this success! For 2015 we're concentrating on unique local, BC and Canada made products. One new supplier is Lunar Reflections who are located between Union Bay and Buckley Bay. These talented folk create fabulous handmade items from a variety of woods. The gift shop is offering a couple of things from them: the amazing hand crafted triceratops rocker (pictured above) and fun dino themed wall mounted coat racks. Both children and adults love [...]
Curious Kids Club January and February 2015
The Curious Kids Club will continue to explore and investigate the treasures held at the museum. Saturdays from 10 am-12 noon (while the Farmers' Market is going on at the Native Sons Hall) kids will inspect different aspects of the museum and do some hands-on activities. Who: Children ages 5-12 years old Where: Courtenay and District Museum When: January 17, 24, February 14, 21 and 28 from 10am-12 noon Cost: $2 for a drop-in or FREE with Family Museum Membership
Courtenay’s Centennial Activities
2015 is Courtenay’s 100th Centennial and if any of you missed the New Year kickoff celebrations, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to come. To see what you can look forward to in this special year, click here for the City of Courtenay’s Centennial information. Throughout this year, the museum will be providing glimpses into the back story on the City’s Incorporation in 1915. Just as today, in 1914, residents had varying opinions about the city’s future. In this article, it seems that not everyone was convinced that incorporation was a good idea. Here’s an excerpt from the Daily Colonist on May 1, 1914. The [...]
Curious Kids Club
The Curious Kids Club will be running on Saturdays in January from 10 am-12 noon. Kids will get a behind the scenes look at the museum and do some hands on activities. Come and join in the fun! Who: Kids ages 5-12 When: Saturdays, 10 am-12 noon Cost: $2 drop-in or free with a family membership to the museum