Bulkley Valley Historical and Museum Society

The Bulkley Valley Historical and Museum Society, registered under the business number 118820950RR0001, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting the human and natural history of Smithers and the surrounding Bulkley Valley in British Columbia.

Mission and Purpose

The society aims to make local history exciting and engaging by showcasing the social and technological development of the region. This mission is achieved through the operation of the Bulkley Valley Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs.

History

The roots of the society date back to 1961 when local community members, including Ernest Hann, began compiling historical collections. In November 1967, these efforts culminated in the opening of the Smithers Centennial Library & Museum. The society was officially incorporated in 1971 under the Society's Act of British Columbia and became a registered charity in 1987.

Museum Operations

The Bulkley Valley Museum is located in the Central Park Building, a heritage site originally constructed in 1925. The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibits throughout the year, attracting over 4,000 visitors annually. The permanent collection includes more than 3,400 artifacts focused on the history of Smithers and the Bulkley Valley.

Exhibits and Collections

The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a fossil display explaining the prehistoric history of the valley, an exhibit on Witsuwit’en culture highlighting interactions with European settlers, and a showcase on aviation history titled "Wings Over the North." This aviation exhibit includes the story of an American B-36 bomber that crashed in the region in 1950.

Governance and Operations

The society is governed by a board of directors, which oversees the museum's operations and appoints key staff members. The organization relies on community support, including donations and volunteer efforts, to maintain its activities and programs.