Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society

The Pemberton and District Museum and Archives Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts related to the human history of Pemberton and its surrounding area. The society operates primarily within the traditional and unceded territory of the Lil'wat Nation.

History and Purpose

Established in 1982, the Pemberton Museum has been in operation for over 40 years, making it one of Pemberton's longest-running community projects. The society's purpose is to illustrate themes connected with the district's history, focusing on three major areas:

• The self-sufficiency of the Lillooet (Stl'atl'imx) people before contact with European settlers.
• The impact of the gold rush in the region during the late 19th century.
• The lives of early settlers and later residents, both before and after the arrival of the railway in 1914[1][3].

Collections and Exhibits

The museum boasts an extensive collection of over 2,000 artifacts, 2,000 photographs, and more than 20 meters of archival materials. The exhibits showcase aspects of early pioneer life, including farming, schooling, commerce, transportation, and industry. The museum's 1-acre site features nine historic buildings, with the oldest dating back to 1897[4].

Operations and Community Engagement

The museum is open seasonally from June to October, offering a variety of activities including self-guided heritage walks, group tours, school field trips, and community events. The society supports research and reproduction requests throughout the year[2][4].

Membership and Support

Membership plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the society. Members receive updates on events and projects, contributing to the preservation of Pemberton's history[2].