The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and presenting the vibrant and diverse history of the Sunshine Coast region in British Columbia. Established through the amalgamation of the Elphinstone Pioneer Museum (since 1965) and the Maritime Museum (since 1987), this society consolidates heritage collections and strives to serve as an innovative, community-driven heritage destination for the entire Sunshine Coast area[4].

History and Mandate

The society's mission centers on the honest and accurate representation of local history through best professional practices in collection care and interpretive storytelling grounded in accuracy. It aims to respond consistently to the needs of visitors while fostering respectful collaboration among its board, staff, and volunteers. The organization also emphasizes energetic communication and cooperation with regional colleagues and upholds respect for the traditional values of the First Nations peoples of the region[4].

Since 2002, the museum and archives have operated from their home in Gibsons, British Columbia, providing a comprehensive resource for heritage education and engagement. The institution functions year-round, welcoming visitors Wednesday through Saturday, with a focus on accessibility and community involvement[4][5].

Facilities and Collections

The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives occupies a two-floor facility that houses a wide range of exhibits covering the history of the Sunshine Coast. Its extensive collections include more than 9,000 photographs and documents, accessible through an on-site reference library and resource room. The archives provide a virtual portal and an online searchable database featuring local newspapers and historical materials[2][4][5].

The museum's exhibits explore themes such as maritime heritage, logging, fishing, farming, and cultural aspects, including the region's role as a filming location for productions like CBC’s "The Beachcombers" and the movie "Needful Things." Visitors also find unique displays such as a notable butterfly collection[3].

Community Engagement and Programs

The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives Society actively engages the community through workshops, film screenings, and events tied to exhibitions and regional issues. Its programming aims to spark imagination, inspire heritage action, encourage research and volunteerism, and celebrate the diverse histories of the Sunshine Coast[5].

The society positions itself as a community museum inviting active participation, promoting heritage awareness, and fostering a sense of ownership among residents and visitors alike[5].

Business Registration Number: 132004037RR0001

Website: sunshinecoastmuseum.ca

[1] https://www.sunshinecoastmuseum.ca [2] https://www.sunshinecoastcanada.com/listing/sunshine-coast-museum-&-archives/184/ [3] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g182206-d3179918-Reviews-Sunshine_Coast_Museum_and_Archives-Gibsons_Sunshine_Coast_British_Columbia.html [4] https://www.sunshinecoastmuseum.ca/history--mandate.html [5] https://sunshinecoastartists.org/sunshine-coast-museum-archives/