What better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than to invite the whole family?
The Parksville Museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a Family Fun Day on Sunday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a news release.
Leave your own mark on history by adding to the museum’s time capsule. Enjoy an afternoon of music and activities provided by local performers, including Grey Notes Revival and Gerry Barnum with his band in a box. Sing along with Sylvia Humble, visit the food trucks and go on a treasure hunt. And, of course, explore some of the museum’s fascinating exhibits.
The museum’s brand-new Mosaic Pavilion educates visitors about the majesty and ecosystem of B.C.’s forests.
“Bringing history to life is the motto of the museum,” said Susan Wismer, president of the Parksville & District Historical Society (PDHS). “Even the origins of the Parksville Museum make a lively story.”
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Marjorie Leffler, author of Parksville & Then Some, lay down in front of a bulldozer to protest the scheduled demolition of the original Knox Church. Her actions spurred into motion the formation of the PDHS which went on to save the church by relocating it to its forever home at Craig Heritage Park in 1983.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Over the next 40 years, heritage buildings from around the district have also been preserved on site. For example, French Creek sent its original post office and Errington contributed McMillan House.
“The Parksville Museum was built with the support of the community,” added Wismer. “So everyone is invited to this special birthday party.”
Children of all ages are invited. The park-like grounds are accessible to people of all abilities, with admission by donation.
Parksville Museum is located at 1245 East Island Highway on the corner of Northwest Bay Road. Street parking is available on Northwest Bay Road.
— NEWS Staff, submitted