National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30th each year, Canada commemorates the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools throughout Canada. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Click here for more information from Canadian Heritage, and click here to find out more about Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024.
Lecture: It's a Maritime War
Tuesday, September 24th @ 7:00 pm
Event type: In-person
Time and Date: 7pm, Tuesday, September 24 (6:30pm Doors Open)
Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum
Speaker: Author, Historian: Catherine Gilbert
Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public. Advance tickets recommended. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2.
During World War II, the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force each constructed their own boats and ships to employ in service to national defense and the war effort. As well, many smaller vessels, including boats and commercial vessels were commandeered for the war effort and patrolling the west coast.
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Gift Shop News
The museum is proud to announce brand new water bottles hitting the gift shop shelves to commemorate the elasmosaur’s official designation as the provincial fossil of BC. And due to the popularity of the elasmosaur t-shirts, the gift shop has expanded the elasmosaur shirts to be available in plum and sage for visitors to show pride for this famous fossil.
The museum teamed up with our long-time collaborators at Hitec Screen Printing to locally print these fabulous bottles and shirts, now available in black, heather grey, sage and plum in adult sizes for $32.99 while supplies last.
Reminder – Models & Miniatures
Now until Saturday, September 28th
Model of the Courtenay Hotel by Dave McKay, 2004
Time flies! The museum’s in-house summer exhibit Models & Miniatures will be taken off display at the end of September. The last day to see it for yourself will be Saturday, September 28th, so be sure to come by and see the museum’s collection of things both big and small.
Fall Fossil Tours
Make the most of the fall season and book your spot on a world famous fossil tour guided by our Natural History Curator, Pat Trask. Our tours will continue throughout the fall, with school programming available for classes and youth groups. These tour options are the perfect outing for all ages of newcomers and returning enthusiasts.
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For more information and to book your tour, please call (250) 334 - 0686 ext. 2 or send an email to info@courtenaymuseum.ca.
Spotlight on Courtenay Streets
This month Kilpatrick Avenue is in the limelight with tales of early civic politics, rivalries and good works all wrapped up in an article from the Comox District Free Press of April 15th, 1970.
Continue Reading
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School Days
CDM 2012.78.24
As many children and young adults make their return to class this September, the museum would like to shine a light on this photo of students socializing outside the front steps of Courtenay High School in 1943. Photographer: Rod McIntyre.
Your Membership and Donations Make A Difference
Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 63rd 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
Click Here to Make a Donation
Non-Profit Discount
Are you or someone you know part of a non-profit that’s looking for venue space? We’re happy to announce that the Courtenay Museum is now offering special discounted rates for non-profit groups renting out our Rotary Gallery or Dogwood Gallery spaces.
Please email info@courtenaymuseum.ca or call (250) 334 - 0686 ext. 2 for more details.
Check out our Instagram!
The museum is scheduling lectures and events throughout the year, so follow us on Instagram and stay up to date on all events and news.
Also, if you have experienced one of our weekly events or our fossil tours feel free to post a pic and tag us with #CourtenayandDistrictMuseum, we would love to see your posts!
Visit our Instagram
#CourtenayandDistrictMuseum
#ComoxValley
#DowntownCourtenay
#CourtenayMuseum
#FossilTours
We Want Your Feedback
If you’ve been to the museum recently, we’re interested in your feedback. Fill out our short survey to explore what people enjoy and where they’re visiting from.
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Museum Funding
In 1961, founders of the Courtenay and District Historical Society began with a regional mandate to create the Courtenay and District Museum (CDM) to collect, preserve and interpret natural and cultural heritage of the Comox Valley. Core values encompass integrity, inclusiveness, community service, rigorous research, objective interpretation and public outreach.
Proud sponsors of the Courtenay & District Museum: