Introducing the Mission Museum

The Mission Museum's mandate is defined as "actively collecting, preserving, and interpreting objects of historical significance to the development of Mission and its surrounding areas." Our staff -- including tour guides, office help and committee members -- are almost all volunteers. We are operated by the Mission District Historical Society, an organization which also operates the Mission Community Archives and the Historical Buildings Branch. The Mission Museum is located in one of the area's oldest buildings. Originally constructed in 1907 as the local branch of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, it later served as the community's library. It was converted to a museum in 1972. The exterior of the structure was restored to its original appearance in 1991 and the interior exhibit area has been fully redesigned since that time. Permanent collections at the Mission Museum detail Sto:lo culture as well as pioneer life. In addition, temporary exhibit space is used to highlight certain aspects of our fascinating history.

Tour Information

As a volunteer based organization, we would appreciate receiving tour requests one month prior to the desired tour date. Tours may be scheduled by phoning (604) 826-1011. We request a donation of $2.00 per tour participant in cash or cheque (cheques to be made payable to the Mission Museum). If you must cancel or reschedule your tour, please notify us as soon as possible. We look forward to sharing Mission's history with you!

We suggest one adult helper for every 10 students.

Getting to the Mission Museum

The Mission Museum is located on Second Avenue, next to the Mission Community Archives and Mission Library and at the top of Welton Street. Parking is available adjacent to the museum. Additional parking may be found next to the library or along the street. Mission Museum 33201 2nd Avenue, Mission, B.C. 826-1011

What to Bring to the Museum

* A notepad or paper.
* A pen or pencil.
*A donation of $2.00 per participant (cash or cheques accepted).
* Questions and a curious mind!

Mission Museum Programs

The Mission Museum offers a diverse selection of school tours designed to support curricular needs and educational interests. Choose from the following programs:

Learning about the Sto:lo

* Mission's Native Heritage 1 1/2 hour Grades: 3-5
Delve into local history with a slide presentation that traces Sto:lo culture from its early roots to the present day. With a game of "artifact memory", students will work together to identify stone tools. A wordsearch will provide an entertaining finish to the program.

Looking at Early Mission

* Pioneer Mission 1 1/2 hour Grades: 2-4
A guided tour of our pioneer exhibit -- including our popular furnished parlour and kitchen -- provides students with a glimpse into the daily lives of Mission's settlers. This tour also includes a slide show of Mission's history. Clue cards offer children the opportunity to identify some of the mysterious artifacts, and Victorian parlour games complete the fun.

Discovering My Home Town

* Introducing the Past 1 hour Grades:3-7
Mission Museum offers a variety of grade-specific discovery tours. Each of these programs begins with a guided tour of the exhibits. Then, it's everyone for themselves, as all retrace their steps with the subtle eyes of detectives in an effort to uncover the answers to our discovery sheet queries.

Walking in the Footsteps of Pioneers

* First Avenue Finds 50 minutes Ages 8-adult
This tour may appeal to a wide range of ages and interests -- from scout and guide troups to seniors groups. Participants may opt for a short stroll down our historic main street, or they might prefer to relax for a slide presentation of our heritage buildings. A wordsearch is available for younger participants.

* Self-guided Walking Tours Ages 8-adult
Pamphlets for a self-guided walking tour of area heritage buildings are available at the museum.

* Slide Shows Ages 8-adult
These are available for viewing at the museum or another location by appointment. Mission's history, First Avenue Architecture, 1948 Flood Some of the above program materials are available in French. Quelques programmes sont aussi disponible en francais.

These programs have been developed by the Mission Museum with support from the British Columbia Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, The British Columbia Heritage Trust, The Vancouver Foundation, The Sto:lo Nation Cultural Committee and the District of Mission.

Some Comments From Past Tour Participants

Here's what some of our previous visitors have had to say about their trips to the Mission Museum:

"I had never been to a museum, and it was really fun. You sure know all about life in the past." -- Brad, Grade 2/3 tour participant.

"Very informative. I'm amazed at what was in the museum. The slide show was super." -- Grade 4/5 teacher

"Thank you for inviting us to the museum. I loved all the neat artifacts." -- Jessica, Grade 2/3 tour participant.

"The facts were terrific and the link with nowadays Mission was great. Thanks for allowing students to ask questions and comment." -- Grade 4 teacher.

"It was terrific! It works into our program very well." -- Cub Pack Leader.

"Merci beaucoup pour la belle visite du musée. Nous avons trouvé cela tres interessant et amusant." -- French Immersion class.