Chemainus Valley Historical Society
WELCOME BACK TO OUR 2025 SEASON
We are open
We are open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 11:00 to 3:00
Plan Your Visit
Come see our wonderful slide show of the history of the Chemainus Mills, the industry that began it all!
Shop Our Store
Browse our store for unique gifts and souvenirs. From books and toys to interesting souvenirs with a historical "bent". our shop has something for everyone.
Support Our Museum
By becoming a member, by dropping in, by donating a few dollars, or by volunteering in our museum, all these supports the Chemainus Valley Museum. Come stop in and talk to our front door staff!
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 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 Chemainus Valley Museum is operated by the Chemainus Valley Historical Society, a non-profit organization. The Museum is located in 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 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.
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
We are trying to catalog all the houses in the area and are asking for help from residents, past and present!
GIFT SHOP
We always have items in our gift shop. Hand crafted goods or books published with history in mind. Need a cookbook? We have one!
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
Become 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. Thus 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.
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.
Easter Egg Hunt Chemainus c.1930s
Can you find your family members?