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.
Upcoming & Ongoing Events
Ongoing
Speaker Series with David Riach
David A. Riach will share the story of Norm Forester (1898-1975)
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.
April 26, 2025
The Japanese Gardens in Polson Park
These serene gardens were donated to the City of Vernon in 1967 by the local Japanese community.
April 17, 2025
A Scout Tradition Begins: The First Vernon Troop’s 1921 Easter Camp
Over the Easter weekend of 1921, a group of local boys set off on an adventure that would spark a lasting tradition in the Vernon area.
April 11, 2025
A Look Back at the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vernon
The story of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Vernon begins in 1887.
April 5, 2025
Vernon’s First Car: A Steam-Powered Curiosity
By approximately 1902, Judge Spinks became the first person to bring an automobile into the Vernon area.
March 30, 2025
A Century of Gardening: The Vernon & District Garden Club
The club’s roots go back to 1925, when a group of Vernon residents met to form a society dedicated to floriculture.
March 22, 2025
The Mystery of the Okanagan Arc
A narrow band of light has appeared in the western sky over the years, earning the name the “Okanagan Arc.”
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!