Hallmark Heritage Society

08/21/2026

They may be small, but finials can completely change a roofline. From simple turned forms to dramatic spires and fleur-de-lis, these little architectural exclamation points have been crowning homes for centuries. 👑

08/21/2026

You’re Invited: The Early Years of Public Transit in Oak BayJoin the Oak Bay Heritage Foundation for an engaging talk in The Marion Cu***ng Lecture Series as historian Ron Greene takes us on a journey into Oak Bay's local history. "Imagine taking the streetcar from Douglas Street, through Uplands, around the Midland circle, and then into the tall grass and trees..."
Event Details-Speaker: Ron Greene, historian and past president of the BC Historical Federation
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Windsor Park Pavilion, 2451 Windsor Road, Oak Bay Admission: Everyone welcome; donations are greatly appreciated For more information, visit oakbayheritagefoundation.ca

08/19/2026

Victoria, BC in 1976

08/19/2026

Sunday, August 23rd at 2 pm | A Charming Rogue: The Scandalous Life & Death of J.H. Hawthornthwaite

This tour will highlight just a few of the many scandals and rumours about British Columbia’s first Socialist M.L.A., James Hurst Hawthornthwaite. One of the most significant politicians in B.C., he represented Nanaimo from 1901 to 1912 and Newcastle from 1918-1920. He was elected as a Socialist in 1903 and co-founded the Socialist Party of Canada in 1904. During his entire personal and political life, Hawthornthwaite was embroiled in controversy, scandal, and mystery. Linda Boon will share her discoveries about the life of her step-great grandfather on today’s tour.

This tour takes place at Ross Bay Cemetery, beginning at 2 pm. We meet at the entrance gate on Fairfield Road at Stannard Avenue. Cost is $2 for OCS members or $5 for non-members; cash or e-transfer accepted.

Image item Item A-02210 (J. H. Hawthornthwaite, c. 1920), courtesy of BC Archives and contemporary newspaper coverage.

08/17/2026

PARC Frequently Asked Questions Important changes are underway at the Royal BC Museum and BC Archives. The museum, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, is building PARC Campus, the provincial archives, research and collections building. Built on lək̓ʷəŋən territory in...

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

One of those tiny architectural details you may never unsee again. Rosettes turned ordinary joints and corners into decoration, proving the Victorians rarely missed an opportunity to make something useful beautiful.🌸