2014 was one of change and active community engagement at the Museum at Campbell River, according to executive director Sandra Parrish.
“We reached out beyond the walls of the Museum in various ways (this year),” Parrish says,
Museum staff and volunteers were on hand at a range of community festivals and events in 2014, from National Child’s day to the Pink Salmon Festival. In the spring they reached out to their North Island audience with their high profile Writer in Residence at the Haig-Brown House, Andrew Nikiforuk, giving presentations on both Malcolm and Quadra Islands, Parrish says.
“Our summer program season was excellent and included expanding our Historic Boat Tours with an overnight trip to Telegraph Cove and a day trip to the Thurlow Islands,” Parrish recalls. “With the aid of an enthusiastic group of summer students we revitalized Croquet & Tea at the Haig-Brown House and added two new puppet shows to Heritage Puppet Theatre – always a perennial favourite with the pre-school set.”
But perhaps the biggest undertaking, Parrish says, was the museum’s involvement in B.C. Hydro’s John Hart Project Interpretive Centre.
“Since May of this year Museum personnel have been on site at this facility,” Parrish says, “enhancing the visitor experience by providing historical context to the presentations.”
She’s also proud of the continuation of the Festival of Trees, which, in its second year, is a growing community event that brings business, organizations, community groups and individuals together to create a festive display of decorated trees in our Changing Gallery for the month of December.
“In the spirit of sharing and giving, proceeds from the sponsored trees support Museum programs and exhibits,” Parrish says.
The year has ended on a positive note for the Museum with the recent Trip Advisor announcement naming them as one of the top ten Museums in Canada.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with this recognition,” Parrish beams, “not only because of the size and scale of the other nine Museums on the list, but also the nod of approval that this signifies. We aim to carry this momentum into 2015, with plans to expand our community engaged activities, alongside further developing our dynamic community partnerships.
“We anticipate increased tourist traffic as well now that the word has gotten out,” Parrish says. “Not only is Campbell River a fascinating place to be, but a visit to the Museum offers an experience amongst the best in Canada.”
Stop by the museum at 470 Island Highway (enter off of 5th Avenue) to see what all the fuss is about. Find admission prices and hours of operation at crmuseum.ca