Keep Watching!
Even though we are presently closed, you can arrange for out of season group tours - contact our o
Our mill's history display!
We have a newer version of this "Chemainus Mill" display. If you didn't see it in 2022, add it to your 2023 plans! We look forward to seeing you!
About Us
CHEMAINUS VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHEMAINUS VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHEMAINUS VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Chemainus Valley Museum is operated by the Chemainus Valley Historical Society, a non-profit organization. The Museum is located in the beautiful Water Wheel Park, found in the centre of town. Off to the side of the Museum is a wonderful observation point which overlooks the site of the first and present sawmill. Looking out, you can
The Chemainus Valley Museum is operated by the Chemainus Valley Historical Society, a non-profit organization. The Museum is located in the beautiful Water Wheel Park, found in the centre of town. Off to the side of the Museum is a wonderful observation point which overlooks the site of the first and present sawmill. Looking out, you can see the large ships, log booms and busy harbour framed by the beautiful Gulf Islands.
COME BE INSPIRED
CHEMAINUS VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHEMAINUS VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Rich in the history and beauty, Chemainus is located on the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The town's roots are strongly linked with the 1850's early pioneers and the timber industry. But now, it is better known for the many Murals found painted on the walls around town displaying the history of Chemainus.
MISSION STATEMENT
CHEMAINUS VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote and sponsor research and knowledge about, and to publish, record, restore, preserve and maintain interest in: information, data, records, cairns, plaques, buildings, sites, boundaries and locations of, or pertaining to, the history of the Chemainus Valley and its geographical historical boundaries.
Are you crafty?
Chemainus Valley Museum
Gift Shop
Unique Gifts for Every Occasion!
Handmade Items
lovingly created and donated by the members of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society
Become a part....
If you are interested in becoming a part of the CVHS Craft Crew, please contact us at cvhsMuseum@shaw.ca or 250-246-2445
Thank you for your support
WHAT TO FIND ON EACH PAGE
CHEMAINUS HISTORY
CHEMAINUS HISTORY
CHEMAINUS HISTORY
A brief history and timeline of Chemainus Valley's story
IN THE NEWS
CHEMAINUS HISTORY
CHEMAINUS HISTORY
Occasionally, museum happenings are recorded in the local papers, especially the Chemainus Valley Courier!
MUSEUM MUSINGS
CHEMAINUS HISTORY
THE HOUSE PROJECT
There is usually a story behind historic photographs. The Courier shares our history whenever they can. If you missed it there, you can find it here!
THE HOUSE PROJECT
THE HOUSE PROJECT
THE HOUSE PROJECT
We are trying to catalog all the houses in the area and are asking for help from residents, past and present!
GIFT SHOP
THE HOUSE PROJECT
HOME - CONTACT US
We always have items in our gift shop. Hand crafted or books published with history in mind. Need a cookbook? We have one!
HOME - CONTACT US
THE HOUSE PROJECT
HOME - CONTACT US
We are always looking for Volunteers and members. Be a part of history and come join us.
the Chemainus valley Historical Society
Becoming a member, or be a volunteer
Hello, We are writing to you today to reintroduce the Historical Society to our community and we would like to thank you for your time and consideration. The Chemainus Valley Historical Society was established in 1963 by a group of dedicated volunteers with a desire to preserve the vast history that is Chemainus. When it became clear that home basements could not keep up with the growing number of artifacts being collected, the decision was made that a central location was needed. This began the massive community effort that created the Chemainus Valley Museum, which opened in 1991. In 2013 further community involvement enabled the Expansion Project which saw the current Museum officially open in 2019. The Historical Society now has a goal to give back to our community by preserving and sharing our vibrant history. … but we need your help! Membership in the Chemainus Valley Historical Society can be as simple as a yearly fee and an invitation to an annual event. It can also provide you with many different & exciting opportunities! These can include: • Volunteering behind the scenes • Help preserve personal heirlooms and photos • Document current history • Becoming a Museum Volunteer and introducing visitors to our varied history • Helping develop Community programming and education • Joining our crafting circle to help stock our gift shop • Sharing your knowledge of the area with visitors and local residents • Becoming a member of the Board and helping guide our future Like many other organizations, our membership has been decreasing and more help is needed to continue to meet our goals so please consider becoming a member of the Historical Society. Your commitment can be as large or small as your time allows. If you don’t feel you are able to commit to membership at this time, please consider giving a donation to our Society. Memberships also make a unique gift idea and tax receipts are available. For your convenience we have included our membership form with this letter. If you would like more information, please scroll down or find us on Facebook! Thank you for your time and we look forward to meeting you!
Sincerely, The Board of the Chemainus Valley Historical Society
Become a member of the Chemainus valley Historical Society
Whether you are a family or single, come join the Chemainus Valley Historical Society. You can also join with a subscription for the BC History Magazine, which come out 4 times a year, and at a savings of $2 off the usual newsstand price.
How do you become a member?
Download the fillable Word document membership form, enable editing, fill it out and email to the museum. You can E-transfer your membership fee to cvhsMuseum@shaw.ca
Or print out the PDF document and mail in the filled form with a cheque.
Covid-19 Stories
Your Story
The museum is asking for your stories during Covid19. Did you travel and had to come back early? Stuck in an airport? Self-isolation - how are you keeping busy? How are you doing? How is the family?
Funny stories, sad stories, frustrating stories and heart-felt stories - we are looking for your stories and any pictures you would be willing to share.
You can messenger us, mail us a letter (Chemainus Valley Museum, P.O. Box 172, Chemainus V0R 1K0), or
send us an email cvhsMuseum@shaw.ca , Subject: attention: Covid-19 Chemainus stories
Easter Egg Hunt Chemainus c.1930s
Can you find your family members?