Our Purpose
The West Vancouver Historical Society a not-for-profit public service organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of West Vancouver. By creating opportunities to connect with this history, we work to ensure that the stories of West Vancouver and its residents foster a sense of belonging in our community. Join us!
Our History
1980
Founding of the West Vancouver Historical Society
The West Vancouver Historical Society started as a committee within the Rotary Club of West Vancouver. Rotary Club members, including Rupert Harrison, Hugh Johnston, Harvey Hill, and Thomas Erling-Tyrell, saw the need to preserve the history of West Vancouver. After meetings with the Mayor, Municipal Manager, and other West Vancouver officials, the Rotary Club as a non-profit society incorporated the West Vancouver Historical Society on July 17, 1980.
An interim executive committee of Rotarians was appointed to organize a series of events as part of a membership campaign. The old West Vancouver Ferry “Hollyburn” was chartered for a memory cruise and the first sixty members were signed up. By 1981, sufficient new members had been attracted that the Rotary committee stepped aside and called for an election of officers from within the society membership.
1982
First Annual General Meeting
The first Annual General Meeting of the Society was held January 21, 1982. Bernard (Bernie) G. Holt, recently retired West Vancouver Senior Secondary School Principal, was elected President of the Society.
1983
First Newsletter published
In March 1983, the Historical Society started publishing a newsletter to inform the membership about the activities of the society, and to publish vignettes related to the history of West Vancouver. The original title of the newsletter was Histrionics, later changed to History-Onics. The newsletter continues today under the moniker, West Vancouver Memories.
1984
The Society changes name and orientation
In September 1984, a new name, the West Vancouver Museum and Historical Society, reflected a change in orientation from collecting mainly archival material to working to create a dedicated museum for the the collection, preservation, storage and housing of historical materials, in partnership with the municipality.
1992
Growth of the Society and the Gertrude Lawson House
The Historical Society grew rapidly to more than 500 members. A fundraising program was started to obtain suitable housing for the growing collection. The WVHS was instrumental in securing the former home of Gertrude Lawson as a site for the West Vancouver Museum and Archives. The Society succeeded in raising more than $500,000, which, with municipal, provincial and heritage partners, led to the establishment of the West Vancouver Museum and Archives. The building was extensively renovated and on June 29, 1992, was officially dedicated as the home of the West Vancouver Museum and Archives.
1993
Support to the Museum and Archives
By 1993, professional operating staff was in place. The community Museum and Archives was a reality. The Society reverted to a support role by forming a volunteer pool for the facility, for fundraising activities, and obtaining photos and memorabilia for the Museum and Archives. At the annual general meeting on March 25, 1993, the name was changed back to West Vancouver Historical Society.
1998
Preserving the Point Atkinson Lightstation
WVHS was instrumental in advocating for the preservation of Point Atkinson Lightstation. In 1998, the Point Atkinson Lightstation Sub-committee of WVHS (PALS), began advocating the development of this national heritage site as an interpretive centre. For more information on PALS and the Point Atkinson Lightstation, see here.
2010
Lions Gate Bridge Heritage Site Advocacy
WVHS was instrumental in achieving the designation of the Lions Gate Bridge as a National Heritage Site.
2012
Newcomers to West Vancouver have been able to learn about the community’s past through three publications celebrating our history
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“Cottages to Community, the story of West Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods” (2012)
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“Arrivals and Departures, the Story of the People and Ferries of Horseshoe Bay”(2014)
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"Dreamers and Designers, The Shaping of West Vancouver” (2018)
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"Inside West Vancouver, People, Politics and Planning since 1912" (2022)
2016
West Vancouver Stories Oral History Project
In 2016, “West Vancouver Stories”, a project affiliated with WVHS, is the community’s first formal and continuing oral history project, collecting the stories and memories of the people who built West Vancouver. See North Shore News coverage here.
Today
In recent years, the WVHS has focused on bringing West Vancouver’s history to the citizens of the community, through its publication of books, presentation of speakers and outreach, including the Local Voices Series presented in partnership with the West Vancouver Memorial Library. See North Shore News coverage here. In 2024, membership was made free.
Our Sponsors
The West Vancouver Historical Society is grateful for the support of our sponsors, who allow us to expand our reach, develop innovative projects, and enhance the accessibility of historical resources for the benefit of our community.
