I'm sure you're wondering why all the fuss is made about him today, and why I'm preserved as a historic site? The good Doctor truly was a remarkable person in our history. Not only was he know as a frontier doctor, but he made a name in politics. The first speaker in the colony of Vancouver Island's elected house. Later, speaker for the whole colony of British Columbia. His stature made him the ideal choice for one of the three men sent to Ottawa in 1870 to negotiate B.C.'s joining of Canada. I remember the Doctor writing from Ottawa to his little daughter Dolly in 1870 about the upcoming Confederation with Canada.

"My dear little girl,

Our country will most certainly be attached to form a part of Canada before very long. You must learn everything you can, and do everything you are able in order not to be behind in any way with those who will be joined to us."

Now that you've met Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, it's time to meet the rest of the family by visiting the other rooms of the Helmcken House. The first room is called Aunt Dolly's Parlour.