9 History Museums in Okanagan Valley That You Shouldn't Miss

The purpose of the Enderby & District Museum Society is to collect, store, preserve, interpret and display artifacts and archival material pertaining to the history of Enderby & District.

The Sncewips (sen-ch-wee-ps) Heritage Museum represents the heritage of Westbank First Nation (WFN) and the stories of the syilx/ Okanagan Nation as a whole. We believe in the power of our own voice to inspire, educate and transform and are working hard to build cultural capacity and language awareness along with programming development.

Discover the natural and human history of Kelowna. Museums are living places, and that’s true of Kelowna’s flagship museum, the Okanagan Heritage Museum too. In fact, the entire permanent gallery has been reimagined! In spring 2019, we wrapped up a multi-year process that saw us overhaul our entire permanent gallery. Pay us a visit and enjoy our ‘new’ museum. Experience fascinating displays and learn how the Okanagan valley was formed, and why it supports tremendous biodiversity. Step into the world of the syilx/Okanagan people, and gain insights into their close connection to the land. Learn about the arrival of traders and settlers, and peer into the windows of an original “Chinatown” shop. Meet some individuals from Kelowna’s past and present, and be inspired by the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame. This museum is also home to two important facilities: the Kelowna Public Archives and the Ursula Surtees Regional Conservation Laboratory.

Meet the people from Okanagan Valley who served in the armed forces. Step inside this museum, and you will feel the passion of the volunteers who founded it. It is packed with uniforms, insignia, badges, and one of the best firearms collections in Canada. Investigate artefacts from the Boer War, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and contemporary military operations. The Okanagan Military Museum is devoted to the preservation and greater awareness of Okanagan military heritage, and reveals how locals contributed to events on the world stage. Join us for the November lecture series, for Remembrance Day, and for school, family, and group programs all year. Researchers will enjoy the Vince Bezeau Military Archives and Library. A visit to the Okanagan Military Museum fosters a greater connection to the Okanagan men and women who served.

**COVID -19 update** The Westbank Museum and The West Kelowna Visitor Centre are open. At present, we are limiting our capacity to 10 people including staff. Thank you and stay safe! We are a community museum as well as a Visitor Information Centre. We strive to promote our community's history and to give visitors outstanding service!

The unique 8-sided Peachland Baptist Church was constructed in 1910 & served as a place of worship until 1964.Hundreds of historical artifacts, photographs, newspapers & documents are on display offering a glimpse into the rich history of Peachland.On the upper floor there is a scale model of the Kettle Valley Railway during 1955 to 1965, built & maintained by the Central Okanagan Railway Company.

The Laurel Packinghouse was built in 1917, using bricks made locally from Knox Mountain clay. At that time, what is now Kelowna's Cultural District was packed with fruit warehouses, canneries, and a sawmill. Today it houses the BC Wine and Orchard Museums, as well as serving as a unique venue for weddings and business functions.

The Oliver & District Museum is housed in the old BC Provincial Police building, a heritage location built in 1924. Learn about the South Okanagan's unique ecosystem, local mining, ranching, and agriculture, and the culture and resilience of the Syilx Okanagan people. Then step back in time by entering the Fairview Jail, one of the few remaining intact buildings from our gold mining past!