Friends of the BC Archives Speaker Series

Dive into the wonders of the Salish Sea with this special event celebrating the creativity and discoveries of students from across Greater Victoria! 

In partnership with Eagle Wing Tours, this showcase highlights artwork, stories and displays created by students following their immersive boat explorations of the Salish Sea. Visitors can also participate in a hands-on station to create their own project.

Block printing is one of the oldest forms of printmaking, offering a simple yet effective way to create unique graphics and patterns. In this introductory relief printmaking workshop, Marlene Yuen will show you how to take your own image, transfer it to a Speedy Carve block, and carve a linocut-style stamp. You will experiment with water-soluble ink, printing your image onto various colored papers and cardstock.

By Design: A Journey Through Arts and Culture Talk Series

Not all wildlife stars are lions, bears, or whales! Join a museum educator for a closer look at three stunning yet often overlooked subjects in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. This guided tour will highlight remarkable images of animals that may be smaller, less famous, or simply overshadowed by their flashier counterparts. Discover how these creatures play essential roles in their ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the fascinating stories behind the photographers' choices to capture them.

Join us for a special screening of the story of Shore to Shore, a sculpture by Master Carver Ts'uts'umutlhw Luke Marston.

Shore to Shore stands at the village site Papiyek (Brockton Point in Stanley Park), and celebrated Portuguese adventurer Joe Silvey ("Portuguese Joe") as well as Coast Salish first wife Pkhaltinaht and second wife Kwatleemaat. The artist Luke Marston is the great-grandson of Portuguese Joe and Kwatleemaat.

Exploring the Salish Sea: connecting local youth to their big blue backyard

Presented by Maurice Guibord, historian and Director of the the Société historique francophone de la Colombie-Britannique  

Presentation in English

Join us for an engaging presentation on the history of Francophone ranchers who settled in the Cariboo and Okanagan regions in the 1860's and 1870's. Through onsite research and oral history interviews with their descendants, the Société historique francophone de la Columbie-Britannique has uncovered remarkable stories of resilience, adaptation, and cultural heritage.

Présenté par Maurice Guibord, historien et Directeur de la Société historique francophone de la Colombie-Britannique

Présentation en français

Assistez à une présentation captivante sur l’histoire des ranchers francophones qui se sont établis dans les régions du Cariboo et de l’Okanagan dans les années 1860 et 1870. À travers des recherches sur le terrain et des entrevues d’histoire orale avec leurs descendants, la SHFCB a mis en lumière des récits remarquables de résilience, d’adaptation et de patrimoine culturel.

Eat. Drink. Explore.

Why should kids have all the fun? Join us for an evening of play, just for adults! Reconnect with your inner child and explore themed experiences throughout the galleries.

Don’t miss out on the ultimate playdate! Grab a partner, friend or family for a unique playful evening.

Don’t be fooled! Our staff will place unusual objects into displays throughout the core galleries. Some of these items don’t belong—and it’s up to you to spot the imposter.

Pick up your Scavenger Hunt at the Box Office an put your detective Skills to the test!

Can’t make it to the museum in person? Check out these images from past April Fools’ events and see if you can spot the imposters!

In celebration of Sikh Heritage Month, enjoy a display of traditional weapons from local collectors, a Kirtan performance of devotional music and an exciting demonstration of Gatka. 

12 pm Kirtan Performance (devotional music)

1 pm Gatka Demonstration (Sikh martial art)

Storytelling event

Join us for an evening of storytelling in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, in collaboration with Trenton Schulz-Franco and the Special Bird Service Society. Enjoy dynamic storytellers sharing their personal experiences in the natural world.

By Design: A Journey Through Arts and Culture Talk Series

Step into the strange and surprising world of nature! Explore the quirky, hilarious and downright bizarre side of the natural world through interactive stations in the Natural History gallery. From animals with unusual shapes and behaviours to laugh-out-loud improv comedy, get ready to be amazed and amused by some of nature's strangest and silliest creatures.

The event features both Funny Ha Ha and Funny Peculiar stations:

Wanna reconnect? Tired of online dating? Nervous to put yourself out there? Join us for this exciting new series! With dating apps losing their spark, we're offering a refreshing alternative—an evening of low-pressure connections and inspiring conversations.

March 8th is International Women's Day. To celebrate, Live at Lunch in March will examine how heritage sites and belongings tell the stories of women that traditional historic narratives miss. 

About the Speaker: 

Genevieve Weber, Manager of Heritage Programs and Services. The BC Heritage Branch is the Province's primary body responsible for the conservation of historic places, fossil management and geographical naming in British Columbia. 

Image: Kilby Store, BC Heritage, Archival Print KGSM1976.008.040

Explore the Natural History gallery and find inspiration to sketch something from nature. With supplies provided and inspiration from the exhibits and specimens from our handling collection, take a moment to create your own artwork. Display it on our gallery wall, gift it to someone special, or take it home to enjoy.

Friends of the BC Archives Speaker Series 

Award-winning comedian Shawn O’Hara presents the uproarious Field Zoology 101. Join the infamous Dr. Bradley Q. Gooseberry as he tours you around the Natural History gallery armed with a collection of stories and lessons almost as unbelievable as his credentials. Along the way, he shares a lifetime of his ‘knowledge’ and ‘experience’, teaching you how to thrive and survive in the harrowing and hilarious world of field zoology.