CHP

Craig Heritage Park Museum and Archives

• Parksville & District Historical Society

Museum; Archives

The Parksville & District Historical Society was established in 1976 as the District 69 Historical Society. The name was changed to the current name in 2004. The Society opened Craig Heritage Park in 1983. The first heritage building moved to the Park was the Knox United Church. Other heritage buildings have been added since then including the McMillan House a designated Heritage Trust building.

The Craig Heritage Park Archives collects materials from School District 69 which includes: Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Errington, Coombs, Hilliers, Bowser, Deep Bay, French Creek and Lasqueti Island and excluding Qualicum Beach.

The Archives operating under a collection policy (2006) collects and preserves archival materials making them available to the public. Sponsor: Parksville & District Historical Society.

The Parksville & District Historical Society is administered by a Board of Trustees which appoints an Acquisition Committee to oversee the acquisition of items for the collections. A Collections Manager is appointed to record, describe and organise the preservation of archival material and artifacts. The Collections Manager also maintains a small library and clippings file. The Manager is automatically a member of the Acquisition and Display Committees.

The Craig Heritage Park Archives collects materials of historical and cultural value which illustrate the lives of First Nations, settlers and history pertaining to Parksville and District. Materials are acquired by gift or purchase. Items may be acquired by loan on a temporary basis for use in a display.

The Craig Heritage Park contains eight heritage buildings and the Englishman River building containing the Museum and the Archives

Total Volume: 10 metres
Inclusive Dates: 1880s to present
Predominant Dates: 1910-1960
Significant holdings are the records of local individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. The holdings also include: a large photograph collection, map collection, paintings and prints, oral history tapes, videotapes, films and electronic storage devices. Reference materials include: a newspaper collection and clippings file, published local histories, and biographical notes.

Web site provides information about Parksville & District Historical Society, Craig Heritage Park Museum and Archives as well as genealogical information related to Parksville & District. Manual & computer finding aids are available at the Archives. Publications include "Parksville Then and Now" a collection of historical photographs and information about the area; "Parksville and Then Some" by member Marge Leffler published in 1999, a collection of histories of people, places and events in Parksville and area.

Open May-September 10.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.; and over the winter Wednesdays 10:00-4:00 and by appointment

The Englishman River building which contains the museum, archives and public washrooms is wheel chair accessible as are some of the heritage buildings.

Research by staff is free for the first half-hour then a donation (suggested $20.00/hour) is requested

Photocopier is available & staff will assist to copy newspaper articles and other printed material. Copies of original materials will be made by the Archives.

Reading tables & chairs available

Craig Heritage Park Museum and Archives

Rules for Archival Description

Revised

Full

Revised February 10.2010. Further revision April 16, 2010