Archives

Our archives provides public access to thousands of original documents related to the history of Parksville, Nanoose Bay, Coombs, Errington, Hilliers, French Creek, and Lasqueti Island.

These documents include:

  • over 6000 historical photographs
  • family fonds
  • business and club records
  • maps, charts and architectural drawings
  • oral histories and transcribed interviews
  • newspapers and clippings.

We also have a small library of books and publications dedicated to local history.

Oral History Interviews (video and audio)
  • Settler Oral History of Nanoose, Parksville, Coombs & Errington
    Watch the videos

A vintage hand-held movie camera

USING THE ARCHIVES

We are privileged to be the custodians of an extensive set of important archival records related to local history. Our role is to protect and provide access to these records for current and future research. Our dedicated volunteer archivists are delighted to share with you the fascinating history and stories of this area and its peoples.

Archival records are considered precious primary source materials, and as such can only be viewed in a supervised space on-site. They are not available for borrowing. However, copies can be made.

All users of the Archives are expected to follow standard practices to ensure that the documents are preserved, secure, and available for continued use by future researchers.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Contact the Archives to discuss your research needs and set up an appointment.
email the archives

Or fill out and return the research request form to help us prepare for and plan your visit.
view the request form

ARCHIVAL SERVICES and FEES

View Services & Fees Schedule 

  • Staff time for preparation ahead of your visit, or to answer individual email inquiries, is free, but is limited to two hours.
  • If you are unable to visit the archives, we may be able to carry out historical research on your behalf depending on the nature of your question and the information we have. A fee of $30.00 per hour will be charged (the first hour is free).
  • Copies of digital photographs are $2.00 per item; copies of textual records vary depending on number of pages (from $0.35 to $0.50 per page). Image reproduction costs of original photographs will vary depending on size of image (from $5.00 to $20.00+ per image).
  • For mail orders, a $5.00 shipping and handling charge will be applied in addition to the cost of the total order (copying fee + postage charges). There will be an additional fee for rush orders.

OBTAINING IMAGES FOR COMMERCIAL USE

If you intend to use images from the archives collection for any commercial purposes, permission is required from the Collections Committee to reproduce material. If this condition applies, please inform us when you make an appointment, to give us time to manage your request.

  • Charges for images for commercial use vary depending on the intent (not-for-profit – $4.00 per image; publication – $15.00 per image; merchandise – $60.00 per image). This commercial fee will apply in addition to the reproduction fee.
  • Commercial Use of archival material is for one time only.
  • Each photograph used in any commercial setting must credit the Parksville Museum. We will provide you with our approved citation format.

INTERESTED IN DONATING AN ITEM TO THE ARCHIVES OR THE MUSEUM?

Do you have some interesting historical items or documents that help to tell the story of this area? Are you interested in donating them to the Museum or the Archives? If so, please review and return the Offer to Donate form below, or email us directly.

Offer to Donate form 

email the archives

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Are you interested in finding out more about the history of BC, or other local areas? Here are some good websites you can visit:

1245 East Island Highway
Parksville, BC V9P 2E5

Phone: 250-248-6966
Email Us
View Map

The Parksville Museum is located on the unceded, traditional, & ancestral lands of the Coast Salish, Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking people including the Snaw-naw-as and Snuneymuxw people.

Admissions

By Donation

Your generous donation helps to make the Museum a vibrant part of our community and allows us to continue offering family-friendly events, programming and exhibits.

 

Hours

Heritage Buildings are now closed for the 2022 season.

The grounds are always open to enjoy.

Join & Support

On At the Museum