History
The old Rossland Museum, located in the basement of the Rossland Court House. Mrs. Erna E. Coombes, Secretary Treasurer (left) and Mrs. Jean Coon, Curator, circa 1962
We acknowledge that we live and work on unceded Sinixt tmxʷúlaʔxʷ (territory).
Established in 1955, the Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association (DBA Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre) is a non-profit society and registered charity whose mission is to preserve and dynamically present the history and culture of Rossland and area while inspiring and engaging the public through virtual and real life presentations that bring our history and culture to life.
Our vision is that the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre will be:
The visitor gateway to the Kootenays and the Columbia Basin
A landmark site to congregate, create, and strengthen links between diverse communities in the region
An active presence in the community that supports the local economy, spurs partnerships, and regenerates tourism
Entrance to the Black Bear tunnel at the Rossland Museum circa 1970
The Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association was established by the Rossland Rotary Club in the basement of the Rossland Court House in 1954 and was incorporated under the BC Societies Act in March of 1955. The present museum was built on the site of the Black Bear Mine in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project thanks to Jack McDonald, Roger Terhune, and many other dedicated community members. The underground mine tour of the Black Bear Mine ran from 1967 to 2009, but is now permanently closed after a thorough review of options. The Rossland Museum Development Committee developed a “Renewal Plan” that prepared a six-phase capital program to update the museum, including Phase Two The Mine Experience: an above-ground mine tunnel with interactive exhibitions and much more - the Mine Experience is slated to open to the public in 2025.
In the meantime, the main museum building remains open year-round. It houses thousands of artifacts on display and in storage rooms, including an extensive collection of geological samples from all over the world, many of which came from Roger Terhune's personal collection. The archives stores and preserves historic photos, documents, the Rossland Miner newspapers from 1896 to 1972, over 900 maps, and the City's early assessment and tax rolls, in addition to other important mining and community historical information.
The museum shop is home to many pieces from local artists including prints and cards in addition to history, nature, and kids books, clothing, toys, souvenirs, and geological samples.
The upper level of the museum includes the Le Roi Tool Warehouse, which demonstrates equipment used for hard rock mining through the decades, and displays about mine administration. It also houses early Rossland fire trucks, a 1945 CPR caboose, and more.
The museum is the sponsor organization for Rossland’s Destination BC Visitor Centre and has tourist information, maps, and guides pertaining to BC, the Kootenay Rockies, and other tourist regions as well as our local region. In addition, we have an interactive kiosk for visitors to use.
Canada Day 2018 - Photo: Mike Sloan Photography
Our Mandate
Mandate: The mandate of the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre includes (a) the collection, preservation and presentation of objects, specimens, and documentary heritage to illustrate and make known to the public the mining & industrial, skiing & sports, social & cultural, and natural history of Rossland and area; and (b) the promotion of education, research, and programming in any or all fields referred to above.
Mission: To preserve and dynamically present the history & culture of Rossland and area and to inspire and engage the public through virtual and real-life displays that bring our history & culture to life.
Museum Trustees
2023-24
President - Mike Sloan | Vice President - Mike Ramsey | Treasurer - Gabe Wiebe | Secretary - Justine Dodds |
Trustee - Eva Gifford | Trustee - Chris Bowman |
Trustee - Sandra Meger | Trustee - Jim Chapman
Current Constitution & Bylaws
2023-24 Board of Trustees
Staff Bios
We acknowledge the support of the City of Rossland, the Province of BC and BC Arts Council, and our many contributors and donors to operational costs for supporting our ongoing staff and contractors.
Joelle Hodgins (she/her)
Museum Director
Joelle Hodgins arrived in Rossland in November 2014 from Whitehorse, Yukon, where she grew up. Joelle has a BA in World & Comparative History and a diploma in Cultural Resource Management – both from the University of Victoria. She was previously the Executive Director of the Miles Canyon Historic Railway Society, Waterfront Trolley, and Copperbelt Railway & Mining Museum in addition to having worked in numerous Yukon museums and being the Vice-President of the Yukon Historical & Museums Association. Joelle is a current member of the BC Museums Association Advocacy Committee.
Joelle is also a member of the Trail/Rossland Smokettes Women's Hockey team.
Contact: museumdirector@ rosslandmuseum.ca
Fiona Lane (she/her)
Operations & Marketing Manager
If there's one thing Fiona loves, it's a good story – and museums are full of stories. In Ontario, Fiona worked at Upper Canada Village, the Kingston Penitentiary, and the North Lanark Regional Museum, where she indulged her pet interests of industrial and textile history. Now, she is thrilled to be able to take part in learning and sharing Rossland's stories. Fiona has an MA in Public History from Carleton University, and a BA in Political Studies and a Certificate in Business from Queen's. At the museum, Fiona oversees staff for daily operations and is responsible for the communication and promotion of all programs and events. Outside of work, she’s enjoying exploring the Kootenays - on foot, bike, or skis!
Contact: admin@ rosslandmuseum.ca
Sarah Taekema-Slot (she/her)
Research Manager
Sarah truly, madly, deeply loves history. She has an MA in Canadian political history from the University of Victoria and wrote her thesis on John A. Macdonald's influence on the development of Canadian Indigenous policy. She also has a BA in history and visual art, and a BEd. At the museum, Sarah uses her advanced research skills to uncover, analyse, organize and communicate all aspects of Rossland's history. She works with the staff to develop new displays and tours for the benefit of locals and visitors. Originally from Ontario, Sarah has made the West Kootenays her home and her favourite thing about Rossland is talking about Rossland's history while riding the ski lifts at RED Mountain!
Contact: research@ rosslandmuseum.ca
Skylar Walsh (he/him) Community Engagement Manager
The siren song of adventure has long called to Skylar and has brought him from his longtime home in Alberta to the outdoor wonderland of the Rossland area. Drawing from experiences managing operations of an outdoor adventure company in Saskatchewan and working with Alberta Parks, Skylar employs his BaSc in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership from Medicine Hat College to develop, manage and evaluate the museum’s public programming and events. When not at the museum, there is a good chance you can catch Skylar out on a hike or developing his off-grid home in Fruitvale!
Contact: community@ rosslandmuseum.ca
Sara Wright (she/her)
Collections Manager
Sara Wright is originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, but over the past decade has lived in Scotland, BC, and Ontario. After getting a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in history, Sara decided to combine her love of history and museums into her career. She studied Museum Management and Curatorship at Fleming College and hasn’t looked back since. At the museum, Sara works with the staff and volunteers to manage the collection and archive, update collection records, and develop new exhibits. In her spare time, Sara enjoys reading, knitting, and taking photographs.
Contact: artifacts@ rosslandmuseum.ca
Winter 2024/25
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada and the Columbia Basin Trust for supporting our student work experience programs.
Gwen Friesen (they/them) Archives Coordinator
After living in Manitoba, Vancouver, and Southern Ontario, Gwen is excited to start their next adventure in Rossland, BC as an intern at RMDC. After earning a BA in history from the University of Waterloo they plan to continue pursuing archival and museum studies out West. Their research interests range from Mennonite studies to environmental history. At RDMC, Gwen will gain skills in digitization and cataloging, archival research, and running related programs. When they aren’t working in archives, Gwen enjoys photography, choir, thrifting, running and hiking, and good coffee.
Lydia Kalawsky (she/her)
Archives Assistant
Lydia is a high school student at J.L. Crowe and has lived in Rossland for all her life. She has a passion for history, politics, ecology, and music. At the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, Lydia will be mainly working on the Rossland Memories Oral History Project and generally helping out in the archive. When she's not squinting at a blurry photograph, you can find Lydia hiking, playing piano, or sinking into a good book with a strong cup of tea.
Hannah Klemmensen (she/her) Collections Coordinator
Born and raised in Rossland, Hannah recently moved back to the Kootenays after completing a degree in International Development at the University of Toronto and working overseas in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Working on and off at the Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre in high school, Hannah discovered her love of connecting with the physical history housed by the museum - from finding unexpected articles in the archives newspaper collection to falling down rabbit holes investigating the stories behind donated artifacts. This, combined with her love of the dynamic environment and community-driven nature of working in a local museum, means she is excited to begin her internship as Collections Coordinator at RMDC. Through this internship Hannah will be learning about collections management while helping with ongoing collections organization and maintenance tasks, exhibition creation, and supporting the planning process for rehousing and re-organizing collections to support the Renewal Project. When she’s not at work, Hannah enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing and any other excuse to be out in the mountains, as well as playing music, cooking, and telling anyone who will listen about her most recent odd story uncovered at the museum.
Mya Leask (she/her)
Museum Assistant
My name is Mya Leask, I'm currently a grade 11 student at J.L Crowe. I like hanging out with my friends for the most part, but when I get hooked on a project you best believe I'll spend all my time on it. I love reading and writing, creative literature in general. I'm always open for any adventure and am looking forward to this year's experiences.
Sawyer Palmer (he/him) Collections Assistant
Sawyer is a high school student at J. Lloyd Crowe who has lived in Rossland for over 10 years. He loves the winter - specifically the snow and Christmas, playing basketball, and spending cherished time with friends and family. Sawyer has a passion for school, learning, and his dogs and many cats. He is ready for another school year and working at the Rossland Museum.
Laura Richards (she/her) Community Engagement Coordinator
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario Laura is seeking out a new experience by moving to Rossland’s gorgeous mountains and close-knit community. As a recent graduate from the University of Toronto she has been able to achieve herself a Bachelor’s of Science in Anthropology and Biology. Most of her classes revolved around the evolutionary sciences, as well as early histories of civilizations. Some of her other interests include baking, dancing and playing ice hockey. She is willing and ready to contribute in any way she can to this thriving region.
Paittyn Sellars (she/he/they) Programs Assistant
My name is Paittyn Sellars. I am a high school student attending crowe this upcoming year for grade 11. I love art, creative writting, nature, and photography. I especially love sculpture and making 3-D style art. In my free time I enjoy writting short storys and going on adventures. I will often go out with my camera and wander until I find something to photograph.
Other Local History Organizations:
City of Rossland Heritage Commission
www.heritagerossland.com
Rossland has a unique cultural and built heritage spanning over a century. There are currently many buildings and landmarks that originate from the resource mining days of Rossland's inception, serving as a reminder of the City's history. Continued and new efforts should be made to ensure the rich heritage of the City of Rossland is maintained and enhanced.
As part of these efforts, the City of Rossland adopted Bylaw 2439 in November 2009 which initiated the the establishment of a Heritage Commission.
The scope and duties of the Rossland Heritage Commission are:
To review and submit recommendations to Council on land use and planning matters which have heritage implications
To advise Council on any matter relating to heritage conservation as set out in Part 27 of the Local Government Act.
To recommend strategies and policies to Council and undertake programs for the support of heritage conservation.
To support heritage education and public awareness through programs such as Heritage Week displays and newsletters
To raise funds and pursue partnerships for the support of conservation and promotion of heritage
Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History
www.basininstitute.org
The Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History is a non-profit history society dedicated to furthering the documentation and presentation of our region's human and natural history. They are based out of Cranbrook but work with regional partners to encompass the Columbia Basin region of British Columbia. Their first principle is that 'all that has gone before has the potential to inform our present actions and shape our future ones.'
Kootenay Columbia Educational Heritage Society
www.schooldistrict20history.org/
The Kootenay Columbia Educational Heritage Society was incorporated in 2005. The Society is an initiative of the West Kootenay Branch of the BC Retired Teachers Association. Members of the Teachers Association began meeting as a committee of the Association in 2001 with the intention of preserving the educational legacy of School District No. 20 (Kootenay Columbia) by collecting and maintaining accurate historical records and preserving representative artifacts of former School Districts No. 9 (Castlegar) and 11 (Trail).
Rossland Gold Fever Follies
www.goldfeverfollies.com/
The Gold Fever Follies offers a new family-friendly musical comedy every summer with cancan dancing, original music, and exciting characters based on Rossland’s gold rush days of the late 1890s. Runs in July & August.
Golden City Railway Modellers
www.facebook.com/GoldenCityRailwayModellers
The Golden City Railway Modellers are a group of HO Model Railway enthusiasts from the West Kootenay area of BC. They currently have a modular layout, depicting Rossland BC, in the Waneta Plaza Mall in Trail BC.
They are open for new members... stop by and enjoy the world’s most fascinating hobby! Young, old, new and experienced modellers are all welcome. Some members are new to the hobby, while some have been in the hobby for 50 years!
Trail Historical Society
www.trailhistory.com/ | www.trail.ca/en/Trail_Museum_and_Archives.asp
The Trail Historical Society was organized in 1953 when a small group of local history buffs met at Elsie Turnbull's home to discuss ways and means to protect and preserve our community's history. The Society was formed as a branch of the BC Historical Association (now the BC Historical Federation). A museum was developed in 1977, and in 1978, their name was changed to the Trail Historical Society.
In 2017, the City of Trail assumed responsibility for the management and staff of a new Trail Museum & Archives. The Trail Historical Society remains the owner and steward of all collections, and staff collaborates on all issues related to the collections, exhibits, and programming in the new facility. The museum’s main topics cover the social and cultural history of Trail, the Cominco Smelter, Home of Champions sports history, and more.