Courtenay & District Museum




  • Lecture: The Promise of Paradise, Utopian Communities in British Columbia
  • It's All There in Black and White
  • Gift Shop News
  • Photo of the Month
  • Watershed Moments
  • Your Membership Makes A Difference
  • Museum Funding






  • Phone:
    250-334-0686

    Email:
    museum@island.net

    Website:
    www.courtenaymuseum.ca

    Mailing Address:
    207 Fourth Street,
    Courtenay BC,
    V9N 1G7





    Tuesday to Saturday:
    10am - 5pm

    Sunday & Monday:
    Closed





    President
    John Wilson

    Vice President
    Daryl Wright

    Past President
    April Shopland

    Rick Ross
    Jim Haggart
    Ross Dingwall
    Mary Everson
    Julie Fortin

    Secretary/Treasurer
    Elizabeth Braithwaite

    Member of...

    British Columbia Museums Association

    Canadian Museums
    Association

    Archives Association of
    British Columbia

    British Columbia Historical Federation





    Comox Museum

    Cumberland Museum

    Comox Air Force Museum

    Filberg Heritage Lodge




     


    Lecture: The Promise of Paradise
    Utopian Communities in British Columbia

    Time and Date: 7 pm, Tuesday, April 11, 2017
    Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum
    Speaker: Andrew Scott
    Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public (plus GST). Advance tickets recommended. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 5.

    From Doukhobor farmers to Finnish coal miners, Quakers and hippies, many groups have struggled to build idealistic colonies in BC's inspiring landscape. While most discovered hardship, disillusionment and failure, new groups sprang up-and continue to spring up-to take their place.

    Continue Reading


     


    It's All There in Black and White

    This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The following account, attributed to an unnamed wounded Canadian soldier, appeared on the front page of the April 14, 1917 Cumberland Islander newspaper.

    Read this newspaper article from our archives

    With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.


     


    Gift Shop News

    There are many new and exciting items arriving at the museum gift shop.

    Just in is a delivery from the UK-based "Elite" tins. A favourite from amongst their giftware is the Emma Bridgewater designed children's dishes. Each set consists of a dinosaur themed plate, bowl and cup - all contained within a matching carry case. An adorable pattern and very high quality item.

    This would be a terrific gift for any young dinosaur fan. Easter is coming and if you are looking for something a bit different than the usual candy or rabbit stuffy here is a great alternative.


     


    Photo of the Month

    CDM #989.183.94
    Pole Vaulting at Lewis Park, Courtenay, 1930s

    You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings.


     

    Watershed Moments

    Here is the latest newsletter installment of an image and quote from the museum's award-winning book Watershed Moments - A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District.


    Photo credit: Coke ovens at Union Bay, ca. 1905. CDM 979.3.31

    Photo caption: "In 1895, James Dunsmuir's Union Coal Company built two rows of fifty ovens into an embankment on a foundation of limestone quarried on Denman Island. Workers built the ovens, which were eleven feet in diameter, with angled brick imported from Scotland. Japanese labourers and several Scottish bricklayers brought over specially for the project did much of the work with teams of horses." Page 55.

    Click Here for a Larger Version


     

    Your Membership Makes A Difference

    Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 56th year, supports heritage preservation in the Comox Valley through special events, lectures, education programmes, research and exhibitions. Your membership benefits these award winning programmes on a year round basis and we appreciate it!

    Becoming a member provides you with discounts in the gift shop and on lectures and an opportunity to support one of the most active regional museums in British Columbia. Thank you for your support.

    Click here to Join


     

    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, British Columbia Gaming Branch, and from museum generated revenues and donations.

    Proud sponsors of the Courtenay & District Museum:

    The City of Courtenay

    BC Arts Councils

    Regional District Comox-Strathcona