 |
 |
|
|
|
In Memoriam The Courtenay and District Museum lost a valued volunteer with the recent passing of Marjorie Thorpe.
Marjorie had been working with the palaeontology collection for over two decades. Her dedication was evidenced through the detailed organization she brought to the collection. Marjorie's work also spanned beyond the museum as she worked with palaeontologists and scientists around the world in arranging loans of the museum's collection and research information. She played a pivotal role in the advancement of awareness of BC's fossil history by serving on the Board of the British Columbia Palaeontological Alliance.
Marjorie's family will be hosting a Celebration of Life starting at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 11 in the Rotary Gallery at the museum.
Courtenay, One Hundred Years of History
Centennial Souvenir Booklet
We are proud to announce the creation of a special Centennial souvenir booklet in honour of the City of Courtenay's 100th anniversary.
Museum volunteers and staff have worked to produce a nostalgic look back at this place we call home. Articles by guest authors Rick James, Judy Hagen and Ian J.M. Kennedy are also included.
The project was made possible by the Publisher and Staff of the Comox Valley Echo. Through the generosity of the Comox Valley Echo, proceeds from the sale of the booklet will support long term programming and research efforts here at the museum. "Courtenay, One Hundred Years of History" will be available for purchase towards the end of March for $5 per copy (general public); $4 (museum members). Copies can be picked up at the Echo office or the museum gift shop.
Spring Fling and We hope you can join us for our annual spring event on Saturday, March 28 from 11 am to 2 pm. Admission is by donation with half of the proceeds going to the Shamrock Gumboots 4-H Club.
There is a lot of family fun planned within the three hours. You can meet lambs, kids (baby goats), ducks, geese and chickens - all courtesy of the Shamrock Gumboots 4-H Club. We will also be visited by the Hot Chocolates Rabbit between 12 noon and 1 pm and he will be handing out delicious Easter chocolate. The Elasmosaur mascot will be making an appearance for fun photo opportunities. And, the popular Gillian from Detailed Face Painting will be here to paint faces for a small fee.
Don't forget to bring along your decorating skills to join in the colouring contest. Other games will include a Dinosaur Egg Hunt with a twist and "Guess How Many Treats" contest.
Fun Fossil Discoveries for Spring Break
Do you have young people looking for new discoveries during spring break? We're offering fun and creative programmes!
Fossil Mould & Cast
In these sessions we'll look at fossils and talk about what they teach us about the past. These interactive classes will include a hands-on look at fossils, a tour through the exhibits and making moulds and casts of fossils to take home.
Times: 10 am to 12 pm
Days available: Tuesday March 31, Wednesday April 1, Thursday April 2, Tuesday April 7, Wednesday April 8, Thursday April 9, Friday April 10
Cost: $8.00 per youth (ages 6-10)
Parents encouraged to participate. Reservations appreciated.
Fossil Tours
Fossil Tours will be offered in the afternoons on the above dates 1 to 4 pm. Click here for more info about our tours.
Reservations required. 15% discount if "Fossil Mould & Cast" class taken in the morning. Please contact Visitor Services Manager Gillian Miller at 250-334-0686 ext. 5.
Courtenay's Centennial
Throughout this year, the museum newsletter will be providing glimpses into the back story on the City's Incorporation, history and development.
An item from The Review newspaper of March 6, 1913 under the "Sandwick" column follows with the writer justly proud of the Sandwick area. "Newcomers continue to join our growing community and if only the supply of lumber were equal to the demand the growth and development of the choicest portion of the valley would be even more marked."
The Sandwick area was annexed to the City of Courtenay in 2002.
Your Membership Makes A Difference
Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 54th 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.
Gift Shop News
More new stock has arrived!
The toy department has some really fun new additions. Instead of paint by numbers, we have paintable dinosaur models that are great for kids of all ages. There are also Savage T-Rex Soakers, Earth Movers Dino Diggers and large buckets of dinosaurs.
A new favourite is the Magic Grow Aquarium - talk about care-free fish! The toy consists of a small plastic aquarium with two fish and a plant that "grow" when you add water. Three members of the museum staff have these aquariums and we have had so much fun comparing the tanks.
For adults, the shop now carries beautiful Friendship Glass Balls, coloured water bottles, ammonite planter pots and really lovely ceramic fish and shell lanterns.
All items in the gift shop are reasonably priced, with lots of local, BC and Canadian made items.
Don't forget that members receive a 15% discount on regular purchases.
Photo of the Month
CDM #979.3.32
You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings.
It's All There in Black and White
A fun little snippet from the Cumberland Islander newspaper of March 26, 1936. How hard would you dance for $10 prize money?
Read this newspaper article from our archives
With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.
Museum Sponsors
Dogwood
Arbutus
Fir
Seedling
Christine Dickinson
D. Mobley
If you're considering donating to a charity, please consider the Courtenay and District Museum. Your support goes towards education programmes, lectures and collection management. We provide a tax receipt to donors.
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:
|
|
