Our Newest Video: Tylosaur Installation
Have a look at this video about one of the most recent additions to the museum's exhibit area - the Tylosaur cast. The video features Frank Hadfield, Company President of Palcoprep Inc., and provides some seldom seen angles to the cast itself.
The video was created as part of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) project that is focusing on upgrading exhibitions, improving programme areas and expanding a web presence for the museum. It was produced with Fox and Bee Media with funds from REDI and Community Futures Strathcona.
Click here to view the Video
Spring Break Programmes
Kids Can Fly It, Rock It or Cast It at 2013 Spring Break Kids Camp!
Mark your calendars for special Kids Camp Programmes during spring break. These three exciting sessions are fun for all and will take place on March 26, 27 and 28 and April 2,3 and 4 in the mornings and afternoons. Children ages 5-7 mornings and ages 8-12 afternoons. Parents are encouraged to attend. Contact the museum for prices and times.
The Age of Dinosaurs-March 26, April 2
This hands-on programme introduces children to the exciting world of paleontology! Learn how fossils are formed, make a mould and cast of a fossil to take home, tour the museum's paleontology exhibits, learn how to identify local fossils.
Go Fly A Kite!-March 27, April 3
For a change of scenery and to learn about air currents-go fly a kite! And make one! This session will introduce children to some fascinating moments in the history of kites and their aerodynamics and give young people a chance to make their own kite.
Kid's Rock!-March 28, April 4
Learn about the different kinds of rocks in the world, how they were formed and why they're important. Learn the difference between rocks and fossils. This is a hands on programme with interactive activities and a “behind the scenes” look at the museum's rock and gem collections.
Summer Bookings
It's only February but the Capes Escape vacation rental is already getting summer bookings!
One booking is from a family who will be staying there for the third time as they return to enjoy Music Fest. They truly love the house and the peaceful setting.
Capes Escape is ideal if you have family or friends visiting and you want to provide a home away from home experience. The house has three large bedrooms - two have queen size beds and the third has two twin beds. There are also two comfy sofa beds. The kitchen has everything you need including a washer and dryer. The house is in a very private setting amongst seven acres of land with the bonus of being only a five minute drive into downtown Courtenay.
So if you are looking for a perfect vacation rental for a family reunion, small wedding or for one of the many fabulous Comox Valley events make sure you book soon.
For further information and availability please click here
Your Membership Makes A Difference
Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 52nd 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
Heritage Week: Heritage Homes and Neighbourhoods
February 18-24, 2013
Take a look back at what must have been one of the loveliest homes in the Comox Valley, The Fort, which was built for Sir Ernest and Lady Petter in 1938-39. The building still stands today at 156 Manor Place and houses professional offices. It is part of the Town of Comox Heritage Walking Tour.
The three images in this article are from the Sillence Collection held here at the museum.
And (what luck!) our archives file contained a wonderful description and details about the house's interior and grounds from The Vancouver Sun of Tuesday, June 27, 1939.
Fine Comox Mansion for Sir Ernest Petter
English Tudor Style Residence Occupies Site Overlooking Gulf of Georgia
"Sir Ernest and Lady Petter have settled into their pleasant new home on the sea-front at Comox, arriving from England in May. Their decision to come to live on Vancouver Island was reached only after a reconnaissance of three years.
Continue Reading
Donations
Please consider supporting the Courtenay and District Museum through a charitable donation. Your donation helps support programming, museum activities and long term operating of the Courtenay and District Museum. This is a great time of year to donate and receive a tax receipt.
You can donate online or by mail, details for both are available through the link below. Either way, we'll send acknowledgment and a receipt as soon as your donation is received.
Click here to Donate Now
It's All There in Black and White
2013 marks the 100th Anniversary of St. Joseph's Hospital and this January 19, 1928 Courtenay Free Press article gives a nod to their past. It is the Hospital Report for 1927 which contains some very interesting facts and figures in regards to finances and patient care.
Read this newspaper article from our archives
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Gift Shop Update
The museum gift shop is gearing up for spring break and summer visitors.
Some new items that have already arrived are hoodies, mugs and totes with the up-dated museum logo. We also have a new range of brightly coloured cotton scarves, water bottles and travel mugs in stock. And expect to see a line of distinctly Canadian items in the near future - they make the perfect gifts for family and friends who live outside of the country.
Remember: if you are a Museum Member you will receive a 15% discount on gift shop items (sorry not applicable on consignment items).
Photo of the Month
CDM #974.136.14
Hemm's Garage of Courtenay, 1935?
You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings.
CDM 2002.101.2
Before Television
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 item is a natty cigarette and make-up case from the 1920s featuring a needlepoint design. The case opens into several compartments: mirror, loose face powder, puff, and holder for seven cigarettes. With lipstick clamped firmly to the top, just grab this compact little number and you were ready to go.
Museum Sponsors
Dogwood
Judy and Stan Hagen
Comox Valley Community Foundation
Daryl and Evelyn Wright-Francis Jewellers Ltd.
The Rotary Club of Courtenay Foundation
The Robert Hunt Family
Don and Marie Gordon
M. Jean McMullan Estate
Bruce McPhee
Arbutus
Comox Valley Echo
Marjorie Thorpe
The Bickle Family
Lorna Gunn
John Wilson and Family
Judy Gurr
Sue and Ian Leakey
Ed LaFleur
Ron Moffat
Paula Moffat
Comox Valley Monarch Lions Club
Fir
Elizabeth Braithwaite
Jean Hawthorne
Seedling
Lawrence Burns
Sheila Carvalho
Perlita Docuria
Coral Dunn
Bent Harder
Dove and Mike Hendren
Joanne Jacobson
Inge Krahn
Phyllis Long
Ginny Lowrie
Ruth Masters
Mary McCaffrey
Evelyn Martin
M.E. McKerrow
Mary Mobley
|
D. Mobley
Richard Monks
Barb Page
Bernie Poole
Alice Potts
Robin Potts
Gordon Schnare
April Shopland
George E. Sprogis
Jean & Ian Sibbald
Chuck & Mary Slemin
Roberts and Adela Smith
Donald Taylor
M & J Tevington
|
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: