Cowichan Valley Museum

Tourism Region: Vancouver Island

The Museum is housed in an old railroad station right along the E&N Railway. It is located in the centre of Duncan, a community of 4,300 people in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, also known by its First Nations population as "The Warm Land". Priscilla Lowe, the curator-manager and her staff offer a warm welcome to visitors from around the world.

About the Collections

Artifacts relating to Cowichan Valley settlement, post contact. A growing collection offirst nations material is in collection. The main 'pioneer' collection includes farm equipment and tools, household equipment, personal possessions relating to specific pioneers. The museum exhibits include a general store, King's Daughters' Hospital and medical room. The main room is titled 'Duncans and the Cowichan Valley'. The visitor takes a walk through Early Settlement, Railway, Agriculture, Homes, Commerce, and Tourism. The textile and medical collections are extensive for a small museum.

Approximate number of objects in the collections: ca 7000

Archives

Archival material 1860 to the present. Includes photographs, maps, diaries, memorabilia, documents and reference material relating to the Cowichan Valley (Malahat in the south, Westholme in the north, Maple Bay to the east and Paldi to the west).

Architectural Records • Cartographic Materials • Prints and Drawings • Microforms • Photographs • Sound Recordings • Textual Records

Fine Arts

Paintings and drawings of Cowichan Valley scenes and artists are collected for the museum collection.

Culture:
Canadian • Aboriginal or First Nations

Period:
Contemporary • Historical

Media:
Mixed Media, Multimedia or Installations • Painting • Photography • Prints and Drawings

Human History

Collection contains artifacts relating to life in a community originally based on agriculture. The artifacts reflect the interests and activities of the residents.
The early settlers were mainly from the British Isles and life in the Cowichan Valley strongly reflected this aspect until the 1950's.

Agriculture • Clocks or Time-Keeping Devices • Costumes and Accessories • Furniture or Furnishings • Household Objects or Domestic Technology • Maps, Charts, Plans or Blueprints • Masks • Religious or Liturgical Objects • Sports Equipment • Toys and Games • Transportation

Services & Activities

Research Services

Archival Records • Genealogical Research

Educational Programs

Pioneer History Program,(Grade 3)
First Nations Program (Grade 4)
Others as required for specific classes

Family Programs • Lectures • School Programs : Age 5-11 (k-6)

Visitor Services

Gift shop, tourist and local information

Accessible by Public Transportation • Children's Activities or Services • Meeting Room Rental • Gift shop • Washrooms • Parking Facilities : Bus • Special Needs Facilities : Parking : Washrooms : Wheelchair access

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services Available • Volunteer Training Offered

Number of Volunteers: 30

Activities: - front desk
- archive registration
- archive data entry
- archive info file maintenance
- obituaries clipped
- obituaries database
- school program assistance
- newsletter production
- Family Fun Event assistants

Member Privileges

- monthly speakers
- special photocopy rate
- free entry to museum

Internet Services

Other Internet Services

Map

Visit the Website

Location

Address:	Duncan Train Station, Canada Ave. Duncan, British Columbia V9L 3Y2 See Map
Telephone:	250-746-6612
Fax:	250-746-6612
Mailing Address:	Cowichan Valley Museum Box 1014, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 3Y2
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