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New Summer Exhibit
The baskets you’ll see in this summer-long exhibit are an important part of the Museum’s permanent collection. From cedar and spruce root of the Pacific Northwest Coast, Lillooet and Yale, to birch bark from Ontario, the quality of these baskets speaks for itself in reflecting artistry that is both functional and beautiful. Added to this, are the bentwood boxes and horn and wood spoons that have been created with thought and focus. In short, the items that are on display in this exhibit have not been chosen for the purpose of interpreting groups of people, locations or a way of life. They are exquisite and lead us to explore our own potential for creating beautiful items and environments.
It is shaping up to be a successful summer for the Museum's Capes Escape vacation rental. With funds from the Comox Valley Foundation, staff have continued to improve the grounds and increase amenities provided (like adding a gas barbeque) to the delight of our satisfied visitors. Improved Access to Webber Drawings
On display in the museum is Cook’s Atlas of engravings which comes from the portfolio of artist John Webber. Webber served as the official artist on Captain Cook’s third voyage around the Pacific from 1776 to1780. Cook’s fleet sailed to Hawaii then landed on the west coast of North America. They sailed up the coast of what is now Oregon and Washington, missing the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the fog. Cook then sailed up the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island, discovering Hope Bay and the entrance to Nootka Sound. Throughout the voyage, John Webber created many sketches and paintings, recording the indigenous populations of North America, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. The book on display here was published in 1786. It contains 61 plates and is, of course, protected within a glass case. However, a new digital photo frame allows visitors to see all of the images. Jim Peacock, one of our fabulous volunteers, photographed the pages of this wonderful book and the images are now in continuous rotation on a digiframe screen. Thank you Jim! What a Sweetie!
A big shout out and a high five to Ethel Holmberg for her volunteer efforts. Ethel baked dozens of cupcakes for our Canada Day celebration open house. We had over 200 people through the door and many enjoyed the cupcake walk prizes. Delicious! Fun Filled Fossil Finding Action Have you ever felt out of touch with the modern world? Do you often wish you were stalking the earth with other scaly beasts the size of houses? Have you ever hoped to encounter a creature with a neck the length of a car? If any or all of the answers to these questions are “yes”, then come visit the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre! A guided fossil tour with Curator of Science, Pat Trask, is in your future, but it will take you back eighty million years in the past. August Obon Services in Cumberland The public is invited to join Bishop Orai Fujikawa of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple in Richmond on Friday, August 7th at 1:00 pm in the Cumberland Japanese Cemetery for an observance of the Obon ceremony. Obon is the Japanese Buddhist custom of honoring the departed spirits of one’s ancestors. Sponsoring the Museum
It is with great pleasure that we continue our sponsorship initiative to support museum programming and extension. The Courtenay Museum is an exciting destination that interprets cultural and natural heritage of the Comox Valley through exhibitions, lectures, special events and programmes. The museum hosts over 35,000 local, national and international visitors a year. Upcoming events in 2009 will include celebrations, tours, lectures and exhibits. As well, we will continue to provide ongoing programming and field trips to students in the Comox Valley. Many of the museum's programmes would not be possible without strong sponsorship from our donors and funders. We respectfully request your one-year sponsorship in order to continue to carry out these worthwhile programmes. The levels of sponsorship are:
Sponsors at the Dogwood level will have their logo or name featured on the museum's newsletter, website and on any publications the museum produces. Additionally, the Courtenay and District Museum is a charitable organization, so contributions are tax deductible. Your contributions can also be made on a monthly basis. All sponsors above the $500 level will receive a museum membership and a complimentary copy of the coffee table book The Comox Valley by Paula Wild. We hope you will consider being a part of this worthwhile initiative as we promote and interpret the exciting natural and cultural heritage of the Comox Valley. Please feel free to contact us at 250-334-0686 if you have any questions or desire further information. 2008-2009 Sponsors Dogwood
Arbutus
Fir
Seedling
Photo of the Month
CDM #986.73.4
You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings. Museum Funding The Courtenay and District Historical Society was registered as a nonprofit society in 1961 to preserve and interpret cultural and natural heritage of the Comox Valley. It has functioned as an independent society since that time. Funds are derived from the generous support of the City of Courtenay, British Columbia Arts Council, Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Valley Charitable Bingo Foundation, and from museum generated revenues and donations. Proud sponsors of the Courtenay & District Museum:
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