Latest News
Before Television: Union Steamship Estates Creamer
What Happens When We Turn off the Remote The theme for BC's 2014 Heritage Week (February 17-23) is "Heritage Afloat". In that spirit we present a Union Steamship Estates creamer from our collection. The Union Steamship Company was founded in Vancouver in 1889. Its passenger and cargo ships were well known along the BC coast. The company expanded into excursion ships carrying holiday makers from Vancouver to Bowen Island. In the 1920s passengers might choose to take such an excursion as a moonlight cruise on Wednesday or Saturday nights where they could dance on board the Lady Alexandra's deck. When a hotel and other [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Streamlined Design
Was there a watershed moment in design 80 years ago? You be the judge with this advertisement from the Comox District Free Press of February 1, 1934. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
A Fish Tale
Visitors to the museum have likely met our ever- growing African Lungfish “Pam” (that's short for Pamela Lungerson). We're currently raising funds for a larger tank and have a sign on display requesting donations. One of our youngest visitors took that sign to heart. A local three year old boy named Aiden saved up his allowance to give to the tank fund. Last week he very proudly brought in his donation of $15.60. Thank you Aiden. Aiden's donation brings money raised close to $350. Since we are looking to double the size of Pam's tank to 150 gallon size, we've still got a way [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Look out! Aerials in Courtenay!
Look out! Aerials in Courtenay! This excerpt from the December 11, 1952 Comox District Free Press might lead us to believe that the new fangled idea of television could really catch on. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Christmas Recipe
There's nothing better than getting a recipe from a battered and tattered home cook book. This book shows definite signs of loving wear. The originator was Mrs. W.P. Ferguson of Nanaimo and it came to the museum as a donation via her granddaughter Mrs. Isabelle Halliday. As for the recipe, "The proof is in the pudding" (plum pudding, in this case).
Museum Holiday Hours
Christmas: December 22, 23 – Closed December 24 - Open 10 am to 1 pm December 25, 26 – Closed Regular business hours resume Friday, December 27. New Years: Closed December 29, 30 December 31 – Open 10 am to 2 pm January 1 - Closed Regular business hours resume Thursday, January 2
Season’s Greetings
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. Season's Greetings and Happy New Year to you and yours!
2013 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit
At the Royal BC Museum now to April 6, 2014 The exhibition features 100 winning images, in huge, backlit displays, selected from a field of just under 43,000 international entries "We are delighted to present the world’s hundred best natural history photographs. This year’s winners offer a deeply aesthetic window into our natural world. I am thrilled that four Canadians are amongst the winners and the photo journalism in the show connects superbly with our own mission to better understand our world, nature and the threats it faces," said Prof. Jack Lohman, Royal BC Museum CEO. Click here for Details
It’s All There in Black and White: Valley in Mourning
The assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy was a shocking event. Learn how the Comox Valley responded in this Comox District Free Press article from November 27, 1963. With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo. We will also have hard copy newspapers from that time on exhibit in our gallery for the month of November.
Kids Christmas Crafts
If you are looking for fun events for the kids come on down to the Museum on Saturday, December 7th or 14th from 11 am – 3 pm when there will be an opportunity for children to do some fabulous make and take crafts. Kids can choose to make either a Christmas tree, a stocking or decorate a pine cone to hang on the tree. Admission is by donation.
Christmas Open House
Mark Saturday, November 30th on your calendar and join us at our annual Christmas Open House from 11 am – 4 pm. The Museum will be decked out with Christmas decorations and we've got some special events planned for guests. Children's Christmas Crafts: 12 noon to 3:30 pm Fun presentation about the origin of Christmas traditions: 2 pm Reading of "The Night Before Christmas": 3:30 pm Enjoy sweet treats and beverages and keep your fingers crossed to be one of our lucky door prize winners! Admission will be free to any family that brings a new or used unwrapped toy for Santa's Workshop or [...]
Especially for Members
From Saturday, November 30th through Saturday, December 14th museum members are entitled to a 25% discount in the gift shop. The shelves have been well stocked in anticipation! The discount applies to all regularly priced, non-consignment items. Make sure you check it out and take advantage of this membership privilege.
Gift Shop Update
Christmas will be here before we know it! If you are looking for some reasonably priced yet unusual stocking stuffers for kids we have lots to choose from like: Dinosaur Express Train $12.00 Gro Beasts $1.00 Crystal Growing Kit $13.76 Dinosaur Glow in the Dark $1.95 Dinosaur Gliders $0.39 Bucket of Dinosaurs $6.00 Dinosaur Skeleton $3.49 Build a 2 ½ foot T-Rex $22.95 Dinosaur Fossil $8.50 Popcorn Rock $4.60 There are also a ton of other items. Make sure you visit the gift shop for some great Christmas present ideas.