Latest News
Courtenay E & N Railway Station’s 100th Anniversary
CDM 989.204.3 The Courtenay E & N Railway station reaches its milestone 100th anniversary in 2014. Work began here in 1912 as recorded in the Courtenay Review newspaper from December 5th “E&N Rlwy is clearing 10 acres of land between the Lake Trail and the Cumberland Road for erection of a roundhouse and machine shops.” Stubbs Collection at CDM The first passenger train into Courtenay arrived August 6th, 1914 at 4:10 pm. The Courtenay Review newspaper from August 13th noted that the train “consisted of baggage and express cars and four coaches”. The trip all the way from Victoria would [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: New Air Strip in Courtenay
Hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the beginnings of the Courtenay Air Park. This Comox District Free Press article from June 16, 1964 reports on its start. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Capes Escape: All Spruced Up!
Workers have just completed a mini-reno/up-date on the Capes Escape vacation rental property and the place is looking great! If you've got company coming for a visit and are looking for a comfortable and convenient rental space, consider Capes Escape. For further information and availability please click here
Summer Hours
Open Seven Days a Week The Courtenay and District Museum is now on its summer operating schedule and is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 until Labour Day. As always, members visit free.
BC Paleo Alliance Presents Rene Savenye Award to Pat Trask
Pat Trask and Dr. Jim Haggart (Left to Right) On May 10, 2014 the British Columbia Paleontological Alliance (BCPA) presented the Rene Savenye Award to Pat Trask, Curator, Earth Sciences at the Courtenay Museum during the BCPA annual conference at the University of Victoria. The BCPA is a union of professional and amateur paleontological organizations working to advance the science of paleontology in the province by fostering public awareness, scientific collecting and education, and by promoting communication among all those interested in fossils. The BCPA's Rene Savenye Award was established in 2003 to periodically honour an amateur paleontologist who has demonstrated outstanding [...]
Summer Programmes for Everyone
The museum is offering a variety of programmes for kids and adults this season. Read on to find out how you can be involved in the fun! Dinosaur Story Time at the Museum - begins July 7th Starting July 7 and re-occurring every Monday throughout the summer at 1pm, children of any age are invited to come and listen to a dinosaur story at the museum. Story Time is a free drop-in activity. (Note: the museum will be closed on Monday, August 4th). Learn to Dye Wool - begins June 20th Children will learn to dye wool using everyday kitchen supplies and the heat [...]
July 1st Open House
On Canada Day, drop by the Courtenay and District Museum after the parade and help celebrate our country's birthday. There will be free admission, balloons and door prize draws between 12 noon and 4 pm. Special activities will include cupcake walks for all ages and a hands-on craft for kids. Musical entertainment will be provided by Alan Jossul. Canada Day is a great chance to explore history at the museum. Discoveries happen here!
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.