Welcome to the Vernon Museum
Explore the vibrant history and culture of Greater Vernon through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and special events. Our museum offers a unique journey into the past, showcasing the stories and artifacts that shaped our community. Visit us and uncover the rich heritage that makes Vernon so unique.
Featured Exhibits
Permanent exhibit
Permanent Exhibits
In addition to feature, traveling, and pop-up exhibits, the MAV has a series of old favourites.
Pop-up exhibit
Gameboard Chronicles: A Voyage into Board Game History
Dive into the rich tapestry of board game history, unraveling the stories behind timeless classics and forgotten gems.
Upcoming & Ongoing Events
October 22, 2024
Speaker Series with Greg Poirier and Larry Lundgren
Discover the intriguing history of Vernon’s Miriam Masonic Lodge with local historians Greg Poirier and Larry Lundgren.
Ongoing
School Programs
The Museum & Archives of Vernon is pleased to offer self-guided programming developed to align with the BC Curriculum.
Ongoing
Ways of Water: Stories of the Grey Canal
The Grey Canal transformed land use and settlement in the North Okanagan. Learn about the early development and the evolution of the Grey Canal from those who experienced it first-hand.
October 19, 2024
The Husband House: A Landmark of Vernon’s History
The property at 12707 Husband Road in Vernon holds a rich and storied past, linked both to a prominent family and a celebrated architect.
October 11, 2024
Thanksgiving in Canada: A Rich History of Harvest and Tradition
Thanksgiving remains closely tied to food and the celebration of the harvest.
October 5, 2024
40 Years of the North Okanagan Hospice Society
Thank you to guest columnist Jenna Kiesman, Community Program Manager at the North Okanagan Hospice Society, for this article!
September 28, 2024
Reckoning with Our Collections: The Indigenous Records and Objects in Our Care
Like many cultural institutions, the Museum & Archives of Vernon (MAV) occupies a complex position in the history of colonization.
September 20, 2024
The Origins of Coldstream: Uncovering the Name
Why is the district municipality located about two kilometers southeast of Vernon called Coldstream? What is the origin of this name?
September 20, 2024
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pay tribute to the survivors of residential schools and remember the children who never came home.
Visitor Information
The Museum and Archives of Vernon aims to create community connection through exceptional, engaging experiences with Greater Vernon’s authentic and diverse past.
Archives
The Greater Vernon Archives has the distinction of being among the most respected research facilities in the province.
Group Bookings
The Museum and Archives of Vernon has undergone transformative changes, and we’re excited to welcome you back into our new, revived exhibit space!
Support the Museum
Your generous support helps us preserve and share the rich history of Greater Vernon. Donations enable us to maintain exhibits, develop educational programs, and continue our community outreach. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact. Thank you for supporting our mission to keep history alive!