Located at Royal Avenue in New Westminster, the New Westminster Museum relives the glorious past of the city, which is also the oldest in all of Western Canada.
At the museum, you can view a comprehensive selection of artifacts, some of which are as old as the city itself! These include authentic items like bayonets and even China teacups which were brought to New Westminster by the Royal Engineers who crafted the city. The collection traverse through the annals of time, leading you through the Great Fire of 1876, and the spectacular revival of the city as it found its roots once again. You can even journey through the Fraser River Canyon with the bright red Dufferin coach, while also tracing the origins of the May Day celebrations in this city, the tradition of which is still maintained till date. The museum commemorates the legendary Smokey Smith with its permanent exhibit, which details the life and bravery of this extraordinary New Westminster citizen.
The New Westminster Museum also displays 6 temporary exhibits through the year, which are periodically rotated to allow visitors as much diversity as possible. One of the prized possessions which the museum is particularly proud to display is the shawl which belongs to Queen Victoria and has a unique tale of its own to tell. You can also view the exquisite model of the paddlewheel steamer S. S. William Irving, which has been made in the likeliness of the original ship built in 1880.
The Historic Picture Gallery relives the momentous journey of New Westminster through the ages through enlarged photographs and old maps. The museum also houses an archives section which is comprised of ancient photographs, newspaper clipping which commemorate the significant events that have shaped the present day countenance of the city, and also conducts a number of souvenir programs for volunteers. What's more, you can even trace your family history back to its earliest origins or research the history of your ancestral home.
The museum is open to visitors from 12 pm to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday in the months between May and September, and 12 pm to 4 pm, from September through April. The museum also conducts a number of events and school programs through the year, the details of which are regularly updated on the website http://www.nwpr.bc.ca/parks%20web%20page/museum.html or can be sought over the telephone at 604-527-4640.
The Historical Picture Gallery and New Westminster Museum
302 Royal Avenue
New Westminster, BC, V3L 1H7
