130 CANADA AVE
Duncan, BC
250.746.6612
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Extended Museum Hours during the North American Indigenous Gamers:
August 3-9,10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
On Friday, August 8, Native Nitinaht Lake Artist Kathy Edgar will be demonstrating Traditional Cedar Weaving at the Museum from 1 p.m. ~ 8 p.m. Demonstration is free with the cost of admission.

Public Programs

Christmas Past Comes Alive! ~

Christmas Past Comes Alive! ~ The Museum presents this special evening on Duncan’s Light Up Night, held annually on the last Friday of November. The Museum is filled with ‘living history’ displays featuring Cowichan Historical Society members and friends of the Museum wearing pioneer costumes. Presenting traditions from Christmas Past, volunteers encourage visitors to participate in activities such as giving the Christmas pudding a stir for good luck, listening to a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or shopping for goodies in the Alderlea General Store! Christmas Crafts activities for children are offered in the Museum Meeting Room.

The Write Stuff! ~

Young and old alike enjoy receiving a lesson in calligraphy. These days we are accustomed to “writing” with a computer, but years ago, it was necessary for people to have good penmanship. Children and adults can come into the museum and try their hand at creating beautiful handwriting, guided by a penmanship expert.

Heritage Walking Tour of Downtown Duncan ~

In celebration of Heritage Week, held in the third week of February, the Museum offers up a Heritage Walking Tour of downtown Duncan. It is a history of the City’s built environment and there is still much evidence of Duncan’s historic past. After the arrival of the railway in 1886, a small village called “Duncan’s Crossing ” (also known as Alderlea) was established on a corner of W.C. Duncan’s land. By 1912, the incorporated City of Duncan had become a major distribution centre for commerce and resources in the Cowichan Valley.

Special Programs in 2008

It’s an exciting summer for Cowichan, with the Spirit of Cowichan events just passed, BC 150 Years festivities and the North American Indigenous Games. Come out to the Museum and enjoy our own “Spirit of Cowichan”!

On the third Wednesday in July & August between 2 - 3 pm, join staff for a Walk with the Curator, to learn more about the Knitting Together exhibit, and Weave on Wednesdays, for instruction on how to use the looms that will be set up in the Meeting Room;

On Friday, June 27, Native Nitinaht Lake Artist Kathy Edgar will be conducting a Cedar Basket Weaving Workshop at the Museum from 10 a.m. - 4p.m.. Workshop fee is $85.00 per person, and space is limited so please register by Friday, June 20 (Payment is due at time of registration, cash or cheque only.);

Spinning a Yarn on Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. offers a really fun opportunity for children (and adults!) to learn about wool processing – right from cleaning raw fleece to spinning wool and then creating a craft. Special guests will be sharing their textile skills and giving demonstrations. Free, with the cost of admission to the museum;