Latest News
Kids Summer Discovery Camp Series
Ever wonder what rocks would say if they could talk? At the Courtenay museum this summer we will be uncovering some of the stories from fossils found in the Comox Valley. We will unearth the mystery of the Cretaceous Period and then jump foreword in time to explore the different ways dinosaurs and marine animals moved and ate. Come and join us at the Courtenay Museum as we explore the past through fun, hands-on activities that excite the mind and inspire curiosity. The following is a description of the programs we’re offering. Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm Ages:6-8, 1pm-4pm Ages 9-12 Cost: $75 per student. Price includes [...]
Before Television – Chalk Hem Marker
What Happens When We Turn off the Remote "Before Television" has been a newsletter feature that shares the Courtenay and District Museum collection with readers while at the same time highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of people as they added beauty and personal style to items from their home and work life. This month's installment is an old-school style chalk hem marker. The idea was for the home sewer to mark hems without needing an assistant. Put on the item of clothing to be cropped, adjust the marker height and a few squeezes of the bulb would send puffs of chalk powder out to [...]
It’s All There in Black and White – Epidemics
This Comox District Free Press article provides a 1932 perspective on a local measles outbreak in May of that year. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
NIC Pro Photo Show and Reception
Photo by Lia Sommer Friday, June 6th from 7 - 9 pm On Friday, June 6th from 7 - 9 pm, join North Island College's Professional Photography students at the Courtenay and District Museum for the opening of the programme's 17th showing of student work. The event marks the fifth collaboration between the museum and the photography programme by utilizing the museum's second floor gallery. Amanda Dostie, Lorenz Jimenez, Megan Lawrence, Kendal McLellan, Milena Russell, Lia Sommer and Emily Walsh will display personal favourites as well as images created for their final portfolio review. The students' reasons for choosing photography as a career vary [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Mennonite Brethren Church in Black Creek
It's an anniversary year for the Mennonite Brethren Church in Black Creek. This April 14, 1964 edition of the Comox District Free Press details the building's fine (and unusual) features. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Exhibit: Heritage Fair Projects
April 17th to May 17th Several projects from School District 71’s Heritage Fair 2014 will be on display in the Dogwood Gallery here at the museum. The fair was a big success again this year and featured the efforts of hard working students inspired to explore Canadian heritage. It is a pleasure to offer students the opportunity to share their ideas with a larger audience so consider dropping in to have a look.
The “Stolen Church” Keeps Moving
In 1915, the pioneer farmers of the Grantham area decided to build a house of worship for the Anglican community. For the sum of $200, St. Mary’s church was constructed near the present Tsolum School. When the Soldier Settlement project was established in Merville in 1919, the need of a church there was apparent and the little church was skidded up the gravel highway with a Clee tractor. The first sacrament was held in March 1920. According to one account, a Sunday service was interrupted by loud squeals from beneath the floorboards. A parishioner’s pigs had followed them from their farm and were being [...]
The Finest on Vancouver Island
Heritage Commission and Museum Create Creamery Booklet In 1914, the Courtenay Herald enthusiastically described conditions in the Comox Valley for dairy farming, "It is doubtful if there are more suitable conditions for the breeding and feeding of livestock than are to be found in the Courtenay- Comox district and its fertile valley comprising some thousands of acres. For dairy farming the district is unquestionably the finest on Vancouver Island." Settlers had been producing dairy products since the late 1800s and the potential for a dairy industry was there. But many small farms could not afford the equipment they needed to process larger quantities of [...]
Before Television: Eaton’s in Courtenay
"Before Television" has been a newsletter feature that shares the Courtenay and District Museum collection with readers while at the same time highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of people as they added beauty and personal style to items from their home and work life. This month's installment may not highlight ingenuity and creativity but the cover definitely features some over-acting! In 1974 Eaton's Courtenay branch was located at 307 5th Street – still known as the Eaton's Building to longtime residents. The business closed in 1981 and the building was converted to the City Centre Mall in 1982. It is currently home to various [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Premier W.A.C. Bennett and the Native Sons Hall
The Native Sons Hall has been the site of countless gatherings and celebrations over its 86 year history. Here's one you may not have seen coming...a testimonial dinner to honour then Premier W.A.C. Bennett recorded in the March 17, 1965 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image
Gift Shop News
Big Bag Sale If you're looking for a fabulous gift, now is the time to visit the museum gift shop. Right now we have a large variety of bags and totes on sale for 30% off the regular price. Lots of designs to choose from - come in early for best selection. New Stuffies The museum has a great friend in Coral Dunn who is volunteering her time and talents to sew colorful elasmosaurs which have proven extremely popular. She's also created ammonites. These cute little guys are already a hit. Many thanks for all your work Coral! New Children's Items New items for [...]
Photos in the Attic?
The Courtenay and District Museum is looking for photographs of the “old Agricultural Hall” located at the present site of the Lewis Centre. This Agricultural Hall was built in 1936 and was described as having log siding with a shaked roof. The hall later became known as the CRA (Courtenay Recreation Association). The museum is looking for photographs of the exterior of the building in any of its various forms as additions and alterations occurred over the years. If you have images to share please contact Catherine at the museum 250-334-0686 ext 104 or email museum@island.net.
Easter at the Museum
Last year's Easter celebration was so much fun that we've decided to do it again! This year's big event will be on Saturday April 12, from 11am – 2:30pm. It's sure to be a fun time for the whole family. Admission is by donation. Activities planned for the day include: an opportunity to make an Easter-themed craft, a special display of over 100 amazing brightly coloured egg- shaped minerals and a visit at some point from the “Hot Chocolates” bunny who will be hopping by to give out some delicious samples. Of course the feature activity will be a petting zoo in the Rotary [...]