Powell River’s history was in the forefront during the BC Historical Federation’s annual general meeting and conference, held from May 5 to 8. Founded in 1922, the federation represents 122 historical societies throughout BC and works to promote awareness of the richness of the province’s history. This year was the first time the three-day event, hosted by Powell River Historical Museum and Archives Association, had been held in the community.
Ron Greene, federation president, said the group chose Powell River this year “because we haven’t been here before and because we like to meet in smaller communities where local historical societies can showcase their heritage.”
Greene was one of the conference attendees who travelled to Texada Island for a heritage tour on Friday, May 6. He said he appreciated the island’s part in the “fascinating industrial history of British Columbia.”
Participants toured the Blubber Bay quarry and museum, the Van Anda museum, Lime Kiln Bay, Gillies Bay, Shelter Point, Marble Bay mine, Van Anda’s wharf and cenotaph and the Little Billie and Copper Queen mine shafts.
Participants who stayed on the mainland attended a presentation about Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nation, including its relationship with the City of Powell River, as well as a tour of Henderson House in Townsite.
Teedie Kagume, museum coordinator, said the conference was successful. “All in all, I think people were very impressed with our community,” she said. “I think they went away knowing it certainly doesn’t deserve the old reputation that we have had, ‘just a mill town.’”
