Bowen Island Museum & Archives

The Bowen Island Museum & Archives is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and heritage of Bowen Island, British Columbia. Established as a community museum and archival center, it serves as a repository for historical documents, photographs, artifacts, and artworks related to the island and its inhabitants.

History and Mission

The museum operates with a mission to collect, preserve, and share the stories of Bowen Island's pioneers, organizations, businesses, artists, and writers. It aims to engage the local community and visitors alike through educational exhibits, research opportunities, and events that highlight the island’s rich past. The organization thrives on community support and volunteer participation to achieve its goals.

Collections and Archives

Bowen Island Museum & Archives houses extensive on-site and online archival resources, including:

• Photographs, letters, minutes, memoranda, maps, and architectural plans
• Audio and visual recordings
• Artworks by local historical artists
• Fonds and collections related to families, businesses, organizations, and various community groups on Bowen Island, such as the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce Fonds, Bowen Island Conservancy Aerial Photograph Collection, and others

These collections offer valuable insights into the island’s development, environment, and cultural heritage. Researchers can book appointments with the archivist to access these materials for detailed study.[1][3]

Exhibits and Features

The museum’s permanent exhibits focus on the "Paradise Playground" era from 1900 to 1958, featuring photographs, stories, maps, and memorabilia that highlight Bowen Island’s role as a recreational destination during that period. Displays include artifacts on the main floor of the museum building and the Higgins Cabin, a two-room historic display showing logger Bert Higgins’s mid-20th-century lifestyle and tools.[4][5]

The museum frequently updates its exhibits and hosts family-oriented community events, relying on fundraising and volunteer efforts to support these initiatives.[1]

Location and Facilities

Housed in a quaint two-storey building on a treed lot near Snug Cove, Bowen Island Museum & Archives offers visitors an inviting space to explore the island’s history and heritage. The adjacent Higgins Cabin provides an additional historical context, enhancing the overall experience.[5]

Community Involvement

The Bowen Island Museum & Archives encourages community participation through volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and events. It fosters connections among people interested in local history and supports educational outreach to keep Bowen Island’s stories alive for future generations.[1]

This nonprofit is registered under Business Registration Number 118814136RR0001 and continues to be a vital cultural hub on Bowen Island.

[1] https://bowenislandmuseum.ca [2] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g183738-d17432684-Reviews-Bowen_Island_Museum_and_Archives-Bowen_Island_British_Columbia.html [3] https://bowenislandmuseum.ca/collections/ [4] https://artswhistler.com/location/bowen-island-museum-archives [5] https://bowenartstour.com/blogs/artists/bowen-island-museum-archives-numerous-pieces-of-artworks