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
September 21 – October 5, 2024
BC Culture Days Events
Join us for three special BC Culture Days events.
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 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.
September 15, 2024
The Scherba Family
At the turn of the 20th century, the Scherba family left Ukraine in search of a new beginning in Canada.
September 7, 2024
Mason Street School
With students heading back to school, it’s a perfect opportunity to look back at one of Vernon’s lesser-known schools—Mason Street School.
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!