Early Pharmacies in Vernon
The first documented pharmacy in Vernon opened shortly after the city's incorporation.
Discover Vernon's History
Respectful Stewardship: Updating Archival Practices for Indigenous Histories
June 21, 2026, marks the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
A Summer on Okanagan Lake: Mary Cameron’s 1901 Journey
June 12, 2026 As summer approaches, many families begin planning trips both near and far.…
Honouring Women in Business and Community Leadership in Vernon
On June 4, 2026, the Vernon Women in Business (VWIB) will once again honour outstanding…
Vernon and Lumby’s Electric Railway Proposal
As early as 1902, residents of both communities began advocating for the construction of an…
Windmill Johnson’s: A Commonage Place Name
It’s easy to assume that place names come from official sources—surveyors, councils, or maps—but many…
37 Years of Books: A Look at Vernon’s Friends of the Library
For nearly four decades, Vernon’s Friends of the Library have supported the community through their…
Vernon from Above: The Aerial Photography of David Madison
Aerial photography is an important way of documenting an evolving city landscape.
Lady Aberdeen and the Early History of the Golden Retriever
April 2, 2026 She is best known for her contributions to women’s rights, both locally…
The Origins of Taxi Service in Vernon
Taxis are a familiar sight in Vernon today, but their story began long before cars.
Protecting Swan Lake: Over 100 Years of Local Conservation
Community efforts to preserve Swan Lake as an important habitat for waterfowl and other animals…
Vernon’s Long-Lost Newspapers: A Corporate Scandal
By the mid-1990s, Vernon’s newspaper landscape was changing rapidly.
Vernon’s Long-Lost Newspapers: The Early Years
The first newspaper in Vernon—and the first in the Okanagan—was The Vernon News.
A Century of Women’s Hockey in Vernon
While the spotlight shines on today’s players, women in Vernon were skating and competing over…
Playing to the Pictures: Marion Kermode and Silent Film at the Empress Theatre
Before recorded soundtracks, films depended on live music to convey emotion, pace, and drama.
Frank Marshall and the Field That Bears His Name
Marshall Field is named after Frank Marshall, who was born on February 5, 1904, in…
A Spoonful of Sugar: The Origin of Sugar Lake’s Name
Sugar Lake is a familiar name in the North Okanagan today, but its English origin…
A History of Dellview Hospital
Dellview Hospital operated as a special care facility providing long-term care for older adults.