RBCM through the Ages

Henry Hunt carving the Mungo Martin mortuary totem, in carving studio with visitors looking on. BC Archives i-19444
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The Royal BC Museum has been a cultural cornerstone of Victoria and the province since it was founded in 1886. Since then, it has safeguarded our collective history, educated and entertained generations of British Columbians, and served as a community gathering place, all while growing, incorporating, and modernizing along the way. Whether you had your first steps in Old Town, saw the raising of the totem poles, or have a family tradition of visiting IMAX Victoria every Sunday, we want to hear your stories and memories of the museum and why it holds a special place in the hearts of British Columbians.

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Pictured with my dad, Ray, in the Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs exhibition, June 20, 2018.
Daddy-Daughter Days
As a born and bred Victorian, I’ve been going to the museum for as long as I can remember. After university, I moved to Alberta for a few years and looked forward to every visit home. My mum was a teacher, so I had extra time to spend with her, but…
Amanda Richardson
Featured
A old-timey photo of a man and a taxidermy walrus.
John Fannin and a tuskworthy friend
John Fannin, the museum’s first curator and taxidermy enthusiast, pictured in the provincial museum’s natural history collection. He became the first curator of what is now known as the Royal BC Museum in 1886. At the time, it was nothing more than…
Royal BC Museum Staff
Two sisters, standing in front of a car at the museum.
Annual Girls Trip
This is my sister and me on our annual trip to the museum as kids. We would always stay at the Delta hotel and then spend a full day at the RBCM. I was just so excited to learn!  Little did I know, I would end up sharing that excitement for…
Jenny Arnold
Henry Hunt carving the Mungo Martin mortuary totem
Henry Hunt carving the Mungo Martin mortuary totem
Henry Hunt (October 16, 1923–March 13, 1985) was a First Nations (Kwakwaka'wakw) woodcarver and artist from British Columbia. Hunt trained under and succeeded famed totem carver Mungo Martin as Master Carver for Thunderbird Park at the Royal BC…
Royal BC Museum Staff
Building Old Town
Building Old Town
A picture from the BC Archives showing a behind the scenes look of the exhibit construction process of the much-loved Old Town. The now closed Becoming BC exhibition was completed and opened to the public in 1972 and featured a number of then state-…
Royal BC Museum Staff
1970s RBCM handling collection
Getting handsy!
A group of kids, sometime in the 1970s judging from the outfits, check out the handling collection at the BC Provincial Museum. While most of the museum's collection items are best viewed with your eyes and not your hands, some pieces are designed…
Royal BC Museum Staff
A botany lecture held at the BC Provincial Museum in April or May 1934.
Time to Learn
This is a photograph from a botany lecture held at the BC Provincial Museum in April or May 1934. The photo was taken by J. Howard Chapman (1861-1942). Originally from England, Chapman arrived in Victoria in 1890. He initially worked as a travelling…
Royal BC Museum Staff
The new provincial museum and archives in 1970.
The "New" Museum
The new provincial museum and archives in 1970, about two years after the new building was opened to the public following a massive rebuild. Photo courtesy of the Royal BC Museum & Archives
Royal BC Museum Staff
John Fannin (front), the first curator of the museum, and Francis Kermode (back right), curator and later director of the museum, in the BC Provincial Museum’s taxidermy shop.
The Curators
John Fannin (front), the first curator of the museum, and Francis Kermode (back right), curator and later director of the museum, in the BC Provincial Museum’s taxidermy shop. The photo was taken sometime between 1900 and 1904 by Albert Hatherly…
Royal BC Museum Staff

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