Gabriola Historical and Museum Society

The Gabriola Historical and Museum Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the Business No. 118934470RR0001 as a charitable entity.

Mission and Objectives

The society aims to create richly detailed exhibits that communicate Gabriola's evolving stories to both the local community and visitors. It also seeks to bring the community together to discuss how Gabriola's past and present will influence its future, with inputs from relevant experts. Another key objective is the preservation and protection of artifacts that highlight moments from Gabriola's past, tracing the links between past, present, and future.

Operations and Funding

The organization relies on donations, memberships, volunteers, fundraising efforts, and grants to achieve its goals. Additionally, it receives tax revenue from the Regional District of Nanaimo for operational costs related to its building.

Community Engagement and Projects

One notable project is the Gabriola Pandemic Stories, which documents the experiences of Gabriola residents during the COVID-19 pandemic through video interviews, written submissions, and images. This initiative resulted in a commemorative booklet and was supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada.

Recognition and Partnerships

The society acknowledges the historical stewardship of the Snuneymuxw people over Gabriola Island, recognizing their role as careful stewards of the land and waters for over 5,000 years, though some historical accounts suggest this tenure may be even longer. It strives to foster respectful relationships with the Coast Salish community by sharing stories from both communities.

Closure and Restructuring

As of early 2025, the Gabriola Museum temporarily closed for restructuring and reorganization, with plans to reopen for special events like Family Day and Heritage Week, before resuming regular operations later in the year.