Vancouver Historical Society

06/15/2026

On June 13, 1886, just two months after Vancouver was incorporated as a city, a devastating fire swept through the fledgling community, destroying nearly every building in its path. Known today as the Great Vancouver Fire, the disaster transformed the city's history and tested the resilience of its residents.

To mark the anniversary of this pivotal event, we're sharing a 1966 CBC program about the Great Fire. While the production style reflects its era, the program includes several recordings of fire survivors who were children in 1886, offering rare firsthand memories of that dramatic day. Their recollections provide a fascinating glimpse into one of the most significant moments in Vancouver's history.

On June 13th 1966 CBC Radio interviewed five survivors of the fire ...

05/20/2026

Reminder: Join Us next Thursday night, May 28th, at the Museum of Vancouver for
“Investing in Nature: Making Vancouver’s Mountain in the Early 20th Century.”

As Grouse Mountain celebrates 100 years since the opening of the Grouse Mountain Chalet, this fascinating lecture looks even further back, to the entrepreneurs, city boosters, and political and economic elites who helped shape the mountain long before 1926.

Historical geographer Dr. David Rossiter will explore both realized and unrealized projects from the 1890s through the Depression years, revealing how Grouse Mountain was transformed into an extension of the growing settler city.

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7 PM
Museum of Vancouver
Free & open to all

Dr. David Rossiter teaches at Western Washington University and studies the history of land, recreation, and urban development on Vancouver’s North Shore.



Images: Courtesy of the Vancouver Archives.
1 .A group of hikers on Grouse Mountain between 1910 and 1929.
M-4-5 - Grouse Mountain. https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/grouse-mountain-8. 2. Excursion to Grouse Mountain 2011-092.0278 https://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/excursion-to-grouse-mountain

05/13/2026

Applications are now open for the Yosef Wosk Publication Grants!

These grants support new and original projects that explore Vancouver’s heritage places, conservation, and related topics. Funding can help cover professional services and production costs such as editing, graphic design, technical drawings, reproduction fees, and more.

Eligible projects may include:
• Printed or digital books
• Documentary films or videos
• Websites and digital apps
• Audio publications
• Technical guides and other creative formats

The program is open to individuals, non-profits, and registered charities. Projects should create a lasting, publicly accessible resource that increases awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of Vancouver’s heritage.

Up to $10,000 is available annually, with funding typically shared among multiple recipients.

Deadline to apply: May 15, 2026
LINK TO APPLY:
https://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/grants/publication-grant/

05/07/2026

History lovers, don’t wait! Spots for the BC Historical Federation’s one-day conference on May 30 are filling up quickly.

Join us at Creekside Community Centre in False Creek for a full day of engaging speakers, thought-provoking panels, a Vancouver history tour with John Atkin, and the BC Historical Awards Banquet celebrating the best in historical writing and community leadership across the province.

The Vancouver Historical Society is proud to be one of the BCHF’s largest member societies, and to share roots dating back to 1936, when VHS began as the Vancouver section of the BC Historical Association.

Whether you join for the full day or just the evening banquet, we’d love to see you there!

Registration: https://www.bchistory.ca/conference and through our website (link in bio).

05/01/2026

“Investing in Nature: Making Vancouver’s Mountain in the Early 20th Century”

Before the gondola, before the chalet, how did Grouse Mountain become the iconic Vancouver mountain?

Join historical geographer David Rossiter for a story of big dreams, bold investments, and the powerful people who helped transform a rugged landscape into a city icon. From unrealized schemes to early developments, discover how Grouse was shaped long before 1926.

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7 PM at the Museum of Vancouver.

This presentation is free and open to all.

See a familiar place in a whole new way.

04/29/2026

What a night. ✨

A room full of strangers, sharing stories, laughing, even singing together. That was our Expo 86 Show & Tell, and it was something special.

From well-loved souvenirs to unexpected treasures, the objects brought in told a rich, layered story of Expo 86, one that couldn’t be captured in a history book alone. Thank you to everyone who shared a piece of their collection, and to those who came with curiosity, questions, and a willingness to listen.

You helped make our very first Show & Tell a huge success.

Next up:
Join us on May 28 at 7 PM at the Museum of Vancouver for a talk by David Rossiter:
“Investing in Nature: Making Vancouver’s Mountain in the Early 20th Century”.
(Yes, this is the story behind how the North Shore became what it is today.)

Interested in more events like this? Consider supporting us and becoming a member. More information can be found through the link in bio.

04/28/2026

This May 1st at the Vancouver Labour Temple, join the Vancouver Heritage Foundation and special guests from the BC Labour Heritage Centre, 411 Seniors Centre and author, Tom Wayman, for the 99th Places that Matter plaque presentation.

Date: Friday, May 1st 2026

Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Location: Café Marie at 425 Dunsmuir Street, inside the Vancouver Labour Temple building.

On May Day, we are recognizing the many stories of the Vancouver Labour Temple at 411 Dunsmuir Street.

All are welcome to attend- please RSVP. https://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/discover-heritage/places-that-matter/ -16757

04/22/2026

EXPO 86 SHOW AND TELL
Tomorrow night, step back into 1986.

What did Expo 86 mean to you? A first ride on the SkyTrain? A day that felt bigger than the city itself? Or is it a piece of Vancouver history you’ve always wanted to understand?

Join us tomorrow at 7 PM for a one-night-only Expo 86 Show & Tell, an evening of real stories, unexpected memories, and the objects people have held onto for 40 years.

Creekside Community Centre
April 23 | 7:00 PM

Bring something to share, or just come listen. Some of the best moments are the ones you don’t see coming.

✨ There’s still time to register, don’t miss it:
LINK IN BIO to register or:
👉 Bringing an item: https://forms.gle/oTw1pexRXmNVdqYM9
👉 Coming to listen: https://forms.gle/G5cE7315kPnBVAtg9

04/15/2026

Vancouver - Let's talk Expo 86.

40 years later, what do you remember?

The crowds? The rides? The pavilions? The feeling of the city changing?
Or maybe it’s something small, a photo, a souvenir, an Expo Ernie you never got rid of.

We’re bringing those memories together for a one-night Expo 86 Show & Tell, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

🗓 April 23, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Creekside Community Centre

Bring an object, a photo, or a story to share, or just come listen and be part of the conversation. These are the stories that don’t make it into history books, but matter just as much.

🎟 Spots are limited (100 people)

👉 Register:
Bringing something to share: https://forms.gle/oTw1pexRXmNVdqYM9
Coming to listen: https://forms.gle/G5cE7315kPnBVAtg9

Tag someone you went to Expo with 👇

The Vancouver Historical Society encourages historical research and publication to promote the designation and preservation of historic Vancouver sites and Vancouver's history.

04/09/2026

Were you at Expo 86?
Do you still have an Expo Ernie tucked away somewhere? A photo, souvenir, or story you’ve held onto all these years?

As we mark 40 years since Expo 86, the Vancouver Historical Society is gathering the personal stories and objects that made the experience unforgettable. Join us. Bring something to share, or just come and be a part of the conversation.

Join us for an Expo 86 Show & Tell
🗓 April 23, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Creekside Community Centre

Bring an object, photograph, or memory to share and connect with others around the table. Prefer to listen? You’re very welcome too.

🎟 Seating is limited (100 participants)

👉 Bringing an object? Register + tell us what you’ll share:
https://forms.gle/oTw1pexRXmNVdqYM9

👉 Coming to listen and join the conversation:
https://forms.gle/G5cE7315kPnBVAtg9