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
Noreen Halleran Strikes up the Band
Mrs. Noreen Halleran was posthumously honoured for her contribution to the development of the Arts in Quesnel. On February 3, 2012 she was inducted into the Gallery of Honour at the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre.
Mrs. Halleran was recruited in 1956 by the Quesnel School Board to develop a music program for the new Cariboo Elementary Junior High which was under construction. At the time it was the only school between Kamloops and Dawson Creek to have an organized music department. She threw herself into the task with boundless energy and determination, developing bands, choruses, and a corps of majorettes. She ensured her students not only had instruments, but also green and gold uniforms that fit properly. She also felt it was important for the students to perform in public and created countless opportunities for them to showcase their talents and develop confidence. I n the early years she organized “The Cariboo Review” and beginning in 1961 she staged a Broadway musical each year. In 1971 she proudly boasted that their production of Fiddler on the Roof was the first to be staged off Broadway.
Beginning in 1967 she organized a summer music school, providing a week of concentrated instruction to students from throughout the region. In 1970, 160 students participated in the band program and 60 in drama.
Mrs. Halleran retired at age 69, not by choice, but due to mandatory retirement. In the fall of 1971 approximately 400 former students and community members, including Alex Fraser and Mayor Tingley, petitioned the School Board to rename Cariboo, the Noreen Halleran Junior High. This request was turned down because Quesnel Elementary School had been renamed the Helen Dixon School to recognize not only Helen Dixon, but all the teaching staff.
The Hallerans retired to Kaslo. Mrs. Halleran remained active teaching piano for several years and played the organ in her church until she was 88. She died in 1990. After a considerable delay her many contributions to Quesnel have now been recognized.
(If you can identify any of the students in this picture, taken about 1959, please e-mail lmiddleton@quesnel.ca)
