Down the winding backstreets of the community of Van Anda sits the Texada Island Museum, which is located at 2003 Waterman Avenue. The museum is run by members of the Texada Heritage Society.
The small but impressive museum, full of mining history and local heritage, is difficult to visit in the off-season, due to it only being open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm. But, in August, the museum is open for additional days (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) from 10 am to 3 pm.
Heritage society member Peter Lock posted a message to the museum's website stating: "Visitors will marvel at the reconstructed Little Billy Mine, the classroom of 1900, the impressive collection of sailing ship models and many more items that allow you the thrill of discovery."
Many visitors have also been eager to try the virtual reality (VR) headsets to watch Texada local Claire Sanford's exhibit called Texada.
"The VR headsets are still in use elsewhere and we are expecting their delivery in the fall," added Lock. "Local volunteers need to be trained in their use as well. We will keep you informed as to when they will be available to
visitors."
The museum also has new items for sale in the gift shop.
"Colourful core samples have been repurposed as paper weights, fridge magnets, coasters and necklaces," stated Lock. "Postcards featuring Jacquelin Sellentin’s paintings of old Van Anda are now available as well."
To find out more about First Nation history on Texada and more recent pioneer history, go to texadaheritagesociety.com/index13.htm.
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