Latest News
It’s All There in Black and White: Royston Imperial Pavilion
What began as outdoor tennis courts on the Royston waterfront 100 years ago became a covered structure that hosted dances, concerts, political rallies, and sporting events. The building, which would come to be known as the Royston Imperial Pavilion, hosted its opening dance on June 27th as seen in this article and advertisement from the Cumberland Islander of 1923. In July 1940, as the band was setting up, a short in the wiring caused a fire that swept through the building, engulfing it completely in ten minutes. Paper decorations and greenery fuelled the blaze. There were no casualties, but the wonderful dance floor was [...]
Scouts and Guides in the Comox Valley
The winning First Aid Team at a Vancouver Island Mine Safety Association event, 1928. Left to right: Gladys Idiens, Lynn Hilton (captain), Ritsuko Uchiyama, Margaret Dunn and Dot Waterfield. Photo: 990.16.40 Camping and hiking have always been central activities for the Boy Scout and Girl Guide movements. Both originated in Great Britain and became popular locally during World War I. Early Guide groups camped at Comox Lake, Hornby Island and Rathtrevor Beach. The campouts gave girls an opportunity to practice their skills in tenting, boating and first aid. Boy Scouts camped at local beach hot spots as well as at Croteau’s Camp [...]
It’s All There in Black and White: Comox Bank Robbery 1983
It’s been 40 years this month since the great Comox bank robbery of May long weekend 1983. Once the dust had settled and the valuables from the safety deposit boxes were taken into account, the theft tallied up to about $370,000 (that’s $1,001,062 in today’s money). Quite a haul! This article is by Debra Martin from the May 25, 1983 front page of the Comox District Free Press. Click for Larger Image Click for Larger Image With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Spring Fling and Easter Things
On Saturday, April 1st we’re celebrating spring and Easter in the Comox Valley with tons of activities, prizes, and more at the museum from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We’re pleased to announce that the Barnyard Party Animals from Black Creek will be joining us, and bringing along a fun petting zoo consisting of ducklings, chicks, rabbits, hedgehogs, goats and even a tortoise. If you’re looking to spruce up your look, Cathy from Magical Faces will have a booth set up for face painting. There will also be kids' crafts for your artistic side, a dinosaur egg hunt with a twist, guessing how [...]
Upcoming Spring Events
Join us for a wide range of spring events coming up in the next few months! We look forward to seeing you at the museum.
The Museum Gift Shop Update
What do local businesses/crafters Royston Roasting, Gypsy Chic, Grumpy Goats Soap, and Ding Ding Dillio Crafts all have in common? They all have fabulous items for sale in the museum gift shop! Here, you’ll also find cards by local artists Sue Pyper, Debbie Bowles, and Andy Everson. We have a variety of t-shirts, stickers and magnets from West Coast Karma. And if you are interested in local history, you might want to have a look at pictorial history books Watershed Moments or Step into Wilderness, published by Harbour Publishing and created by donors, staff and volunteers. All royalties go to the Courtenay Museum. [...]
Heritage Week 2023
Heritage Week, February 20-26, kicks off with the theme, Always in All Ways, a celebration of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage that explores our history, how it connects us and invites us to explore the community’s heritage in all the ways that we enjoy. In the Comox Valley, the Unceded Traditional Territory of K’ómoks First Nation, there are great museums to explore such as those listed in our sidebar. View the Comox Valley Regional District Map and have a choice of over 60 parks, trails and beach accesses to explore and enjoy in the Comox Valley. Or mark your calendars for Family [...]
Black History Month in BC
This collage was compiled by Beth Cruise, BC Black History Awareness Society. Want to learn more? Please see the BC Black History Awareness Society Digital Museum BC’s Black Pioneers: Their Industry and Character Influenced the Vision of Canada. Read More
Upcoming Exhibit: Dressed for the Occasion
Sea Captain, Tom Cliffe, brought his bride Annie Palmer, this silk wedding dress from China for their 1913 wedding. Why is June a popular month for weddings? Visit the museum’s upcoming May 20-August 26 exhibit Dressed for the Occasion and find out why. This gorgeous, silk-laden exhibit will feature over 20 bridal dresses, accessories, wedding gifts and ephemera dating from the mid 1800s to the 1970s. Each dress uniquely reflects the style at the time and the connections to those who wore them. Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the exhibit launch!
Lunar New Year
January 22nd this year marked the start of the Lunar New Year, an important holiday in several Asian cultures across Canada and around the world. The Lunar New Year occurs after the first new moon of the Lunar calendar each year when communities set up decorations, make festive food and gather with loved ones to usher in the new year. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Read More With Canadian Heritage
Holiday Closure
The museum will be closed from 1:00pm on Saturday, December 24th until Tuesday, January 3rd. We wish everyone a Happy Holidays, and we’ll see you in 2023!
Looking for Last Minute Christmas Shopping Ideas?
From December 6th through to the 24th, members will receive a 25% discount on most items in our gift shop. This offer does not apply to items already marked down or on consignment. Your valid membership card must be shown at the time of purchase.
Happy Holidays from the Courtenay & District Museum
This Christmas postcard is coming up on 100 years since it was mailed. Check out the Fanny Bay stamp in the top right corner!