Welcome to the history of Chilliwack at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives

January 15, 2010 - "Words to the Wyse" to open at the Chilliwack Museum Jan 23rd

Next up at the Chilliwack Museum is Bonny Graham-Krulicki's Words to the Wyse show. Bonny's desire is preserving the Coast Salish language with her art. Her show is on from Jan. 23 to Mar. 11 in the Chambers Gallery at the Chilliwack Museum, with an opening reception Jan. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. Along with the exhibit, an artist's talk is being offered ($20). Call the Museum to sign up for the artist's talk where you get a chance to make a piece of Halkomelem art. [image (c) Bonny Graham-Krulicki "teach"]

October 22nd - Chilliwack Museum launches 'Legacy Booklet Series" with first volume covering the BC Electric Railway.

With each new exhibit at the Chilliwack Museum, comes hours of research. So what better way to use that research than to compile it into a colourful, thorough exhibition booklet series. The first of the series: The British Columbia Electric Railway isavailable exclusively at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives for $15.00. (photo: toaster from the Chilliwack Museum collection).

October 6, 2009 - New exhibit at the Chilliwack Museum Explores Electric Railway Past

On Saturday October 17 the Chilliwack Museum and Archives will open their newest annual exhibit that explores the history of the BC Electric Railway. The BC Electric Railway: More than Just a Tram looks back at the railway and the impact that it had on all facets of life in the Fraser Valley.

“We are excited that British Columbia Electric Railway historian Henry Ewert will attend the noon hour opening , sharing his thoughts on the history of the company.” Stated museum director, Ron Denman. “Henry is well known among rail fans and historians for his research and expertise in regards to the BCER”.

The exhibition will be on display for a year at the Chilliwack Museum on Spadina Ave during our regular operating hours: Mon – Friday 9am – 4:40pm. The opening is from 12:00pm – 2:00pm at the Museum.

July 15, 2009 - Museum and Archives now accepts Visa, Mastercard and Debit cards.

Ordering photographs, books and gift shop items just got easier at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives. We now accept Visa, Mastercard and Debit cards. Phone in an order today.

The Chilliwack Archives are happy to announce the inclusion of archival records to our on-line past perfect database. While many records have yet to be added, about a quarter of the collection can be key word searched. The archive database will assist researchers and facilitate access to the collections. Click here to start searching!

From May 16 – July 2, visit the Museum's Chambers gallery to for Ross and Brenda Paterson's show, with opening reception May 23rd, 12 – 2. Ross and Brenda present a unique perspective unveiling the inner beauty of turned wood, complemented by floral and landscape painting inspired by the natural beauty of BC.

We hope to see you at our Annual General Meeting this Saturday, March 14th, 1:00pm - 3:00 pm at Evergreen Hall. Annual heritage awards will be presented to the Chilliwack Times, and Margaret Ballam.

Click on the calendar of events icon below to access our on-line calendar of events and exhibits to help you plan your visit.

We just posted our first newsletter of 2009. Read articles on our upcoming art exhibits, our 'progress' at the Archives, and information about the AGM.

2009 will see some talented artists display their work at the Chilliwack Museum's Chambers Gallery. Visit our exhibition page to see the schedule. Be sure to attend the openings where you can meet the artists.

Our thoughts are with those affected by current flooding and weather in Greendale and other areas. As residents know, floods, and weather storms are not new to Chilliwack. For those looking for more information on flooding, download the introduction (pdf) to Carol Baird’s book “Sandbags and Rubber Boots” which speaks about the history of flooding in Chilliwack. Copies of the book are available at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives.

More information on flooding is available at the Chilliwack Archives. Flood maps, photographs, books, newspaper articles and video can help you learn about the unique geography of Chilliwack which make some areas prone to all types of flooding. 1935 Ice storm in Chilliwack

Image right: Fraser Valley Meet Market is barely visible from the snow bank across the street during the 1935 ice storm.

December 18, 2008 - New Book: Remembering CFB Chilliwack; A Photo Retrospective

The recently published pictorial history of CFB Chilliwack is now available at the Chilliwack Museum. The hard cover book contains several hundred photographs that document the development of the base. People, sports events, training exercises, parties, churches and equipment are all included in the 156 page book. The book was published by the Chilliwack Times. Copies are available for $39.95 at the museum.

December 4, 2008 - Hundreds more artefact images added to our on-line database.

Visit our on-line database containing information on our collection of artefacts and photographs. We've just updated the site with hundreds more artefact pictures. We will continue to update the site over the next year. Watch for more press photographs of the Chilliwack Progress beginning in the 1960's - a major volunteer initiative here at the archives. Click here, or on the red "search" button to access the site.

November 28, 2008 - New book on CFB Chilliwack coming soon!

New book about CFB Chilliwack will be available soon at the Chilliwack Museum. "Remembering CFB Chilliwack: A photo retrospective of the base and the men and women who called it home." Published by the Chilliwack Times. $39.95

November 21, 2008 - Fairfield Island History Now Available

The Chilliwack Museum and Archives recently published Fair Fields: Settling on Fairfield Island, a delightful new book written by Margaret Ballam. The book includes section on riverboat landings, work, school and leisure. Biographies of some of the early families are also included. There are many photographs that show how the island community developed. The book is available at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives and costs $8.00.

November 14, 2008 - Give a unique gift this Christmas.

Buy your copy of The Chilliwack Story at the Chilliwack Museum, Archives or

Chilliwack Visitor Information Centre. Proceeds from the book continue to help support the Museum and Archive activities. $39.95

November 7, 2008 - East Chilliwack Video added to the Museum's on-line exhibits.

Visit East Chilliwack from home. See our on-line exhibit page for video montage of East Chilliwack. Keep your eyes on us... more videos coming soon.

November 5, 2008 - Visit the Chilliwack War Memorial On-Line

The On-line Chilliwack War Memorial project, completed last November, is continually added to as family members of those listed provide us with more information. Thank you to all who have done so.

October 17, 2008 - Newsletter and website get a facelift

The Museum and Archives has revamped its look. See the new look of the newsletter and website, with new brochure coming soon. Contact us to get on our mailing list, or if you would like to have brochures at your business. October Newsletter (pdf)

October 17, 2008 -Bethune Exhibit Opens in the Museum's Chambers Gallery.

Dr. Norman Bethune is a well known Canadian doctor who in 1938 travelled to China. The art exhibit is being organized by Asai Wu-Brandt, owner of Asai’s Gallery on Wellington Avenue.

September 15 - Chilliwack Museum prepares for Grand Re-Opening Friday, September 19th.

Join us as we celebrate the new look, new exhibits and new approach of the Museum's lower floor galleries. Celebration 2 - 4 pm with ceremony at 3:00pm. View the press release for more details.

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