Welcome to the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
There is always plenty to discover at the Quesnel Museum. Learn the secrets of "Mandy, the Haunted Doll." Listen to the stories of Chinese and First Nations Elders or visit a Sikh temple through interactive video installations. Meet the residents of early twentieth century Quesnel through the remarkable photographs of C.D. Hoy and C.S. Wing. Dress up in the children's activity centre or participate in a scavenger hunt.
Favourite exhibits include the Titanic, Footprints in Stone, dedicated to local First Nations culture, and vignettes recreating Quesnel's pioneer homes and businesses. From rare Chinese artifacts used during the gold rush era, to ephemera that will evoke childhood memories, the extensive collections are sure to appeal to all ages and interests. Come and see why the Quesnel Museum has been proclaimed one of BC's top 10 community museums.
Featured Photo of the month
The new Carib Theatre decked out for Easter, circa 1954
Picture shows have been a popular form of entertainment for Quesnel residents since the early 20th century, when the first theatre building was constructed on Front Street.
By 1950 the Rex Theatre was finally too old to renovate once again, so its owner, Paul Gauthier, purchased the lot directly behind on Reid Street. Ground was broken that year for the Carib Theatre, a thoroughly modern facility with the latest in heating and fire protection. The automatic oil furnace was located beneath the lobby, a departure from the usual location below the stage. It was believed this would allow for better heating at a lower cost. The furnace room was completely fire proofed, with the addition of a steel fire door at the entrance. The building was served by a special four-inch main connected to two hydrants installed in glassed-in cases in the main lobby.
The Carib opened on Monday, September 14, 1953, with proceeds donated to the Quesnel General Hospital Children’s Wards and the Vancouver Children’s Hospital. Tickets were $1 each and the movie was the Canadian Premier of Walt Disney’s Technicolor Production, The Sword and The Rose.
