Lillooet District Historical Society

The Lillooet District Historical Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Lillooet region in British Columbia. Registered with the Canadian government under the business registration number 107626145RR0001, the society plays a crucial role in maintaining local historical awareness and education.

Mission and Activities

The society operates the Lillooet Museum, which serves as both a museum and a British Columbia tourism information centre. It is housed in the historic former Anglican church building of St. Mary the Virgin, located on Main Street in downtown Lillooet. The building itself is a heritage structure, incorporating elements of the original St. Mary's Church dating back to 1860, including parts of the original chancel, a melodeon, and a bell, lending the museum a unique historical ambiance.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts that reflect the rich history of the Lillooet area. Highlights include:

• Artifacts from the Fraser Gold Rush and other local gold rushes
• Household items and belongings from early regional families
• First Nations artifacts representing the St'at'imc people, the indigenous community of the Lillooet area
• Notable displays such as the second largest mounted elk head trophy ever registered in British Columbia

These collections provide visitors with insights into the cultural, social, and natural history of the region.

Visitor Information

The Lillooet Museum operates seasonally with hours tailored to tourist patterns:

• May to June: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• July to August: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• September to October: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The museum's location opposite the "Mile '0'" cairn, marking the start of the historic Old Cariboo Road, makes it a strategic and accessible site for visitors interested in exploring the history of British Columbia's interior.

Community Role

Beyond its role as a museum, the Lillooet District Historical Society acts as a steward of local heritage, providing educational resources and fostering community engagement with the region’s past. Its operation of the BC Tourism Information Centre enhances its profile as a cultural and informational hub in Lillooet.

This society exemplifies the commitment to preserving local history through active community involvement and the maintenance of significant historical sites and collections within the Lillooet district[1][2][3][5].