About the Vernon Museum and Archives
History of MAV
The Museum & Archives of Vernon traces its roots to three individuals: Charles Edward Haines, David Howrie Sr., and W.C. Pound. The latter was a taxidermist who bequeathed his collection to the City of Vernon, catalyzing the museum’s inception.
Initially housed in a local high school’s back room in 1950, it moved to the former police station in 1956 and to a new civic complex building in 1966.
A bylaw in 1970 formalized the establishment of the Museum and Archives’ Board of Directors and, in 2016, the organization was incorporated as a not-for-profit.
Dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the Greater Vernon area’s artifacts and history, the institution continues to enrich the community’s cultural landscape.
Meet The Staff
Administration
Lisa Ramsey, Interim Executive Director
250-550-3150
lisa.ramsey@vernonmuseum.ca
Lisa’s experience in administration in both post-secondary education and small businesses make her the ideal operations manager for our dynamic community museum. As an avid sports enthusiast, coach, and referee, she is a true “team player,” and Lisa’s enthusiasm and energy are a huge asset to the organization’s development.
Visitor Experience
Renee Rousseau, Ambassador
250-550-3140
renee.rousseau@vernonmuseum.ca
Renee (she/her) is a motivated college student whose aspirations have no limits. She is fascinated with military history, radioactivity and many more subjects. She plans to seek higher education for a history-focused career path.
Archives
Gwyneth Evans, Archives Manager
250-550-3146
gwyn.evans@vernonmuseum.ca
Gwyn (she/her) is thrilled to be working alongside, and learning from, archivist Barbara Bell and Digital Archivist Marisa Parker-Hinz. She began at the MAV as a collection intern in 2018, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours History from UBC, and has grown through a variety of positions and opportunities. She is happy to be devoting her time and energy to preserving Vernon’s stories in this new role, while also completing a part-time Masters of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta.
Barbara Bell, Senior Archivist
250-550-3144
barbara.bell@vernonmuseum.ca
Barbara has been preserving, recording and championing Vernon’s history for four decades with the MAV. She has a vast depth and breadth of knowledge about North Okanagan and is able to assist researchers in any number of topics with skill and tact.
Collections
Amanda Goodall, Collections Registrar
250-550-3147
amanda.goodall@vernonmuseum.ca
Amanda originally joined the Vernon Museum team in Fall 2023 as Collections and Curatorial Intern, and is very excited to be continuing on in the role of Collections Registrar. Amanda holds a Graduate Certificate in Museum Management and Curatorship from Sir Sandford Fleming College, and prior experience as Collections Archivist at the National Music Centre in Calgary. A new resident to Vernon, she is grateful to live and work in the beautiful Okanagan and support the management of its rich heritage.
Programming and Curation
Cassidy Latimer, Curator
250-550-3148
cassidy.latimer@vernonmuseum.ca
Cassidy, a Museum Curator from Toronto, Ontario, brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to BC’s cultural heritage sector. With a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto, her expertise encompasses Classical Archaeology, History, and Women’s Studies, further enriched by notable fieldwork experience in Madaba, Jordan.
Dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, Cassidy is determined to make hidden histories visible through innovative exhibition approaches.
Eager to contribute to the Vernon community, Cassidy aims to preserve local history, forge connections, and enhance cultural vitality. Her passion for storytelling and community engagement is the driving force behind her commitment to creating meaningful museum experiences that resonate with all.
Pamela Ralston, Marketing & Programming Coordinator
250-550-3152
pamela.ralston@vernonmuseum.ca
Pamela hails from an extensive background in video production & filmmaking, having worked on everything from entertainment programming to video projects for artists, non-profits, small businesses & municipal organizations. A graduate from The University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Communication Studies, she has been driven to help her clients “Shine Online” via engaging and thought-provoking content.
She also spent time as a librarian with the Okanagan Regional Library where she enjoyed interacting with patrons, & celebrating knowledge, culture & curiosity. Whether it is educating herself in health & wellness, playing beach volleyball, or getting out for a walk in nature, she is never bored. Pam is excited to bring her talents and skills to the museum in an effort to honour the unique history of the area, while lending a voice to the vivid stories of our past.
Meet the Board
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives (GVMA) Society is pleased to announce the
appointment of the new Board of Directors, bringing the number of board members to nine.
- President – Adrianna Stange
- Vice-President – Samantha Panter
- Secretary – Stephanie Holmes
- Treasurer – Gary Rennick
- Past-President – Maria Brunskill
- Members at large:
- Truman Spring
- Sheldon Louis
- Margo Fleming
- Dan Rogers
- Rocio Alejandre
- Chelsea Kidd
About the Vernon Museum and Archives:
We are here to authentically enrich the understanding and appreciation of Greater Vernon and all its people – past, present, future. We are a home for learning, exploration, adventure and we aspire to be a source of curiosity. We invite you to wander and to wonder.
Visit us in Vernon or www.vernonmuseum.ca