The Greater Vernon Museum &Archives is honoured to be participating in the upcoming week-long RespectFEST celebrating our cultural diversity. The museum will host two different tours as well as participate in the Multicultural Festival Sept. 23.
The Downtown Vernon Mural &History RESPECT Tour takes place Sept. 19 and 22, beginning at 9 a.m. Following the theme of respect, Vernon Museum education coordinator Gabriel Newman will lead you throughout downtown Vernon stopping at select murals and recently refurbished historical plaques while telling stories of Vernon’s unique, and not always pleasant, past.
“If you have ever wanted to know more about that mural you pass every day, never noticed the over 20 historical plaques located downtown, or have a burning question about Vernon’s history, this tour is for you,” said Denise Marsh, marketing and communications coordinator.
This walking tour goes rain or shine — please dress appropriately for whatever the weather has in store.
The second tour being offered is the Vernon Museum Archives Respect Tour led by archivist Barbara Bell. This behind-the-scenes tour of the archives, limited to 12 people/tour, will take place Sept. 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Discover the many fascinating links to our early history through original documents, photographs, maps and newspapers and find out what pieces of the puzzle, such as photos of Chinatown or records of other local ethnic groups, are still needed to complete the picture.
Get your free tickets for both events at https://respectfest2017.com/ or at the museum. For more information about either tour, call 250-542-3142 or find us on Facebook.
RespectFEST 2017 is celebrating respect and diversity in the North Okanagan as part of Canada’s 150th Birthday.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.