Okanagan Historical Society Vernon Branch

Okanagan Historical Society Vernon Branch Follow along as we take a deep dive into the stories of the North Okanagan! The Okanagan Historical Society (OHS) is dedicated to preserving local history.

The Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society (OHS) hosts meetings, contributes to publications, and collaborates on projects that celebrate the region's unique history. Established in 1925, the OHS has become one of British Columbia's oldest historical societies, weaving together a tapestry of tales that echo through time. Credit for the society's inception goes to Leonard Norris, the visi

onary Government Agent of Vernon, who convened the inaugural meeting in 1925. As the OHS expanded, it transformed into seven semi-autonomous branches, each with its own board of directors guiding its historical pursuits. In addition to a variety of heritage-based activities, since the Second World War the OHS has published an Annual Report that captures the Valley's unique anecdotal history. The Vernon Branch, nestled in the heart of the North Okanagan, stands as a dedicated guardian of local history. Hosting two general meetings each year with guest speakers, the branch has actively contributed to several historical publications and activities. It played a role in establishing the SilverStar Mountain Museum, and has collaborated closely with the Museum & Archives of Vernon. The Vernon Branch is committed to preserving and celebrating the unique history of the region.

We still have a small handful of tickets let for our May 30 speaker event with Emily Hails of Ursus Heritage Consulting!...
05/15/2026

We still have a small handful of tickets let for our May 30 speaker event with Emily Hails of Ursus Heritage Consulting!

Emily has worked as a professional archaeologist since 2014 and has served as an archaeologist with Ursus Heritage Consulting since 2017. Based in Interior British Columbia, her work spans residential and municipal developments, as well as projects with BC Hydro, BC Parks, and Parks Canada. She holds a Master’s degree from Newcastle University (UK), where she contributed to the digital recording of a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon settlement in Northumberland. Her field experience also includes excavations at a 13,000-year-old midden site on the Central Coast of British Columbia.

Established in 2008, Ursus Heritage Consulting provides heritage and archaeological consulting services across a wide range of sectors, including partnerships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, developers, forestry clients, private landowners, BC Hydro, and local, provincial, and federal governments. The organization operates offices in Vernon, Kaslo, and the Comox Valley.

Ursus Heritage Consulting respectfully acknowledges that its team lives and works on Indigenous ancestral lands, particularly those of the syilx, Secwepemc, K’omoks, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa peoples.

To grab your ticket for what is sure to be a fascinating presentation, visit www.vernonmuseum.ca.

"Echoes Beneath the Earth," produced by the Vernon & District Family History Society, is now available! "The Museum & A...
05/07/2026

"Echoes Beneath the Earth," produced by the Vernon & District Family History Society, is now available!

"The Museum & Archives of Vernon extends its congratulations to the Vernon and District Family History Society, on the publication of this significant book. While the history of Vernon’s Pioneer Cemetery is not widely known, it represents an important chapter in the development of our community," said Archives Manager Gwyneth Evans.

Vernon's first cemetery was on land, donated by pioneer, Luc Girouard, west of Alexis Park Drive. It was used between 1885 and 1902 and included about 118 burials. Research discovered the identities of most of those interred and revealed some of their life histories, giving us a glimpse into late 19th century Vernon. Limited copies for $35 are available at by emailing: [email protected]

We are very excited to host archaeologist Emily Hails of Ursus Heritage Consulting for our first 2026 speaker event! Du...
05/06/2026

We are very excited to host archaeologist Emily Hails of Ursus Heritage Consulting for our first 2026 speaker event!

During the presentation, Emily will share insights from her work across British Columbia and beyond. From local development projects to international research, Emily will explore how archaeology helps uncover the deep histories of the landscapes around us, with a focus on lithic (stone tool) analysis and fieldwork experiences.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Vernon Museum (3009 32nd Ave)
Tickets: $10, available at https://greatervernonmuseum.square.site/product/speaker-series-with-emily-hails/VXUGZSIN6EJICGGK57MN3K4Y?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false.

Copies can be found locally at The Museum & Archives of Vernon, as well as destinations across the Valley!
05/06/2026

Copies can be found locally at The Museum & Archives of Vernon, as well as destinations across the Valley!

Have you seen this? A great little resource put out by the Okanagan Historical Society for locals and visitors. Grab one at the Enderby & District Museum & Archives.

The OHS' April newsletter is now available. This edition includes society news and updates, upcoming events in the Okana...
04/17/2026

The OHS' April newsletter is now available. This edition includes society news and updates, upcoming events in the Okanagan, a feature photograph, and a reprint of an article by Kelowna's Bob Hayes.

Give it a read at the link below!

Copyright (C) 2026 Okanagan Historical Society. All rights reserved.Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

The Okanagan Historical Society is excited to announce a new publication! Thanks to the efforts of the Salmon Arm Branch...
04/10/2026

The Okanagan Historical Society is excited to announce a new publication! Thanks to the efforts of the Salmon Arm Branch, we have compiled 101 Historic Sites of note across the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Shuswap, complete with visitor information and historical context. Created in celebration of the OHS’s 100th anniversary, the project is now available online at okanaganhistoricalsociety.org/101sites.php.

We are also happy to share that the print edition of the map has also been distributed to locations across the Valley! This physical edition will make it even easier to explore these fascinating sites and enjoy the rich history of our region.

In Vernon, grab your copy from The Museum & Archives of Vernon.

📸: Site 27, the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Park; Site 6, Keremeos Grist Mill & Gardens; and Site 44, Fintry Estate.

Address

3009 32nd Avenue C/o The Museum & Archives Of
Vernon, BC
V1T2L8

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