Society News

See history come to life this summer! The Steveston Historical Society, together with the Steveston Museum, are pleased to present Walking Tour Vignettes – a play in five parts during a walking tour of Steveston.

Costumed interpreters (who also happen to be very talented high school drama students from Hugh McRoberts Secondary School) will accompany our summer walking program.

Tours will leave from Steveston Museum on Fridays at 4:30pm, and Saturdays at 1pm in June and July, 2017.

Tickets are $7. Children under 12 are free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. To book, contact the Steveston Museum & Visitor Centre at 604-271-8280 or in person at 3811 Moncton Street. Ask for the “Walking Tour Vignettes” tour.

Steveston’s history demonstrates several elements that are integral to Canada’s cultural make-up: multicultural community, perseverance through hardship, and pride in its accomplishments. The plays will reflect these qualities, encourage residents and visitors into a deeper understanding about our community, and leave a lasting impact for current and future generations.

Acknowledgements:

This initiative is made possible by the City of Richmond’s 150 Community Celebration Grant.

This initiative is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between Richmond Community Foundation, the Government of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast.

Cette initiative est rendue possible grâce au Fonds communautaire pour le 150e anniversaire du Canada, qui est une collaboration entre Richmond Community Foundation, les fondations communautaires canadiennes, le gouvernment du Canada et des leaders extraordinaires de l’Atlantique au Pacifique à l’Arctique.

A mural celebrating Steveston’s connection to the fishing industry was unveiled at the launch of provincial Heritage Week this Sunday. Twelve panels on the building in Fisherman’s Park speak to Steveston’s fishing present as well as its rich fishing past.

This year’s Heritage Week theme is ‘My Canada! My BC!’ an apt opportunity to highlight the uniqueness of the industry that has shaped Steveston.

Following their successful collaboration in 2015 to produce the panels representing modern day fishing on the south wall of the building, the Steveston Historical Society, Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society and the Steveston Harbour Authority have been working together to produce the remaining pieces. Their goal was to install a significant piece of public art that would not only beautify the west end of the village, but also inform passers-by.

Dave Semple, Chair of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society commented, “It has been great to work with other Steveston organizations to make possible a beautiful piece of art for the village. It is a bright reminder of our fishing history which will be enjoyed by many visitors and residents to Steveston in the coming years.”

The Richmond Arts Coalition contributed invaluable advice on installation methods and was instrumental in selecting our artist, Victoria Oginski.

Victoria was able to work and draw inspiration from historical photographs – beautifully capturing the essence of fish harvesting.

Linda Barnes, Chair of the Steveston Historical Society says, “The Society is proud to play its part in sharing Steveston’s rich heritage in such a visual way – Victoria Oginski’s creations celebrate the fishing industry and those who depend on it, not only in the past but for a strong vibrant future.”

Project Sponsors:

Richmond Community Foundation Endowment Fund & the Richmond Community Foundation Milan and Maureen Ilich Family Endowment Fund

It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Steveston for the City of Richmond to open the Steveston Town Square Park.

We were honoured to have the Mayor and other delegates from sister city Wakayama, Japan attend the morning’s celebrations.

An origami ribbon was cut to commemorate the opening and a new cherry blossom tree (special to Wakayama) was planted and dedicated.

Everyone enjoyed a special cake by Steveston Bakery, created specially for the occasion.

Photo credit: Photography by Renee

Thank you to all who joined the Steveston Historical Society as we celebrated our 40th Anniversary at our Fundraising Gala Night on 24 September, 2016. Over 160 friends and supporters came to hear our plans to preserve and promote the history of Steveston in 2017 and beyond. A food social and ceremonial, guests enjoyed a 3-course Coast Salish feast featuring storytelling from Elder Henry Charles, a silent auction, and a cultural performance from Coastal Wolfpack at the Seine Net Loft, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. The evening was also an opportunity for the Steveston Historical Society to acknowledge the contributions of many individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed to preserving our historic village. Heritage Recognition Award Recipients: Robbie Johnson, London Heritage Farm Society, Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, Britannia Heritage Shipyards Society, Steveston Community Society, Richmond Museum Society, Steveston Harbour Authority, Tourism Richmond, Richmond Heritage Commission, Steveston 20/20 Group, G&F Financial Foundation, Richmond Community Foundation, Interface Architecture, ZGF Cotter Architecture, Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Advisory Committee, Nikkei Stories Project Team.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

Diamond: ONNI Group Gold: Port of Vancouver, Asia Pacific Yacht Centre Corporation Silver: Plat:form Properties, Tien Sher Homes Media Sponsor: Richmond News Centre Piece Sponsor: Dragon Boat BC