ONGOING

Saturdays,9-noon, Industrial Heritage Railyard work parties. Come see the steam loci, humdirgen and other artifacts of Ladysmith’s industrial past at the heritage Comox Logging and Rail Co. heritage site, 614 Oyster Drive. Public welcome.

November 2022

Nov 6, 10 am- 3 pm, Make A Hand Hooked Mat Workshop. Learn to make your own unique hooked mat –just like Grandma used to make, using recycled textiles. Val Galvin has been creating family heirloom mats for over 40 years. Using recycled and reclaimed fabrics and textiles she creates beautiful unique pieces of art for the floor. Come and join Val to learn the history of hooked mats and learn how to do this craft yourself.  Price:  $125 includes the starter kit of a frame, backing, quality hook and assorted fabrics, plus a handout with reminder directions and resources. There will be a lunch break. Class size is limited to 8. Ladysmith Museum – Learning Centre, 250-245-0423.

October 2022

Oct 10, 1-4 pm Decorate the Museum for Halloween. Give us a hand and get n the mood as we scare up a few ghosts at the Ladysmith Museum. Spirited fun! Refreshments served. Free! Note: Extra decorations are appreciated!

OCT. 15 11-3 pm Grand Opening of SHOP the Museum. Giveaways, door prizes, refreshments, and artists in attendance. Also, Upstairs Gallery opens with a new art show. A great little shop supporting local artists. Jewellery, fluid art, rocks, and more!

Oct 17, 4:30-5:30 pm – Zombie Walk  Ladysmith is holding its first Zombie Walk. The walk starts at St. John’s Mason’s Hall on Gatacre, heads north down First Avenue to the Ladysmith Museum where there will be ghoulish treats and Zombie Judging, then returns to Mason’s Hall. Register at St John’s Masons Hall. Free.  Bring a food item or donation for the Ladysmith Food Bank if you can….zombies are always HUNGRY. No brains, please.

Oct 28, 29, 30 5-7pm.  Night at the Museum! Bring your flashlight or use your cellphone and tour the Ladysmith Museum in the dark. It’s a totally different point of view. Halloween candies for kids. Wear your costume if you dare. Free admission.

Sept 2022

September 10, at 11 am – 12 pm Volunteer Drive – Ladysmith Museum Interested in volunteering at the Ladysmith Museum? Find out about the new gift shop, exhibits and events. 250-245-0423. Coffee and treats. Free.

September 24, 2022, at 11 am – 3 pm – Ladysmith Agricultural Hall 100 Year Centennial Event “Aggie 100th Birthday Celebration” Open House with a Retro Agricultural Fall Fair Display, a children’s activity tent, an exhibit of artifacts and memorabilia, a running slide show, a Cadet Demonstration, a 50’s and ‘60’s Dance Demonstration, refreshments and more!
With the generous support of Canadian Heritage, the Town of Ladysmith, the Ladysmith Historical Society, the Ladysmith Air Cadets, and community contributions, this will be a fun, family day, free of charge for the entire community. Opening Ceremonies 11 a.m. For more information phone 250-245-0423 or email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

August 2022

August 17, 2022, 5pm-6:30pm. LDHS AGM. Election, social, and BBQ. Free. Everyone is welcome but only members in good standing can vote. Interested in being on the board? Give us a call. 250-245-0100 or email us.

July 2022

July 7, 4pm-6pm Ladysmith Museum’s  10th Anniversary and Reopening after its renovation on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 4 pm to 6 pm. Come see what’s new. Rediscover what’s old. Exhibits, entertainment, light refreshments and cake is served! Everyone welcome! Free.

June 2022

June 28, 4-7pm. TAKE 5’s 25th Anniversary at Ladysmith Museum. Live music, light refreshments, and a stroll down memory lane. Free. Everyone welcome. 250-245-7015 for details.

June 16, 2022, 7pm. Historically Speaking series presents The Robert Kerr: from global trader to coastal collier presented by David Hill-Turner. Since 1911, the remains of the Robert Kerr have rested on a reef just north of Thetis Island’s Pilkey Point. Launched in 1866, she roamed the world’s oceans. Damaged while being towed to Burrard Inlet, she achieved fame as “the ship that saved Vancouver” during the 1886 fire that destroyed much of the new city. This is a story of a ship associated with people and events that helped shape Canada in the 19^th century.

April 2022

April 12, 2022, 4 pm, LDHS BOARD monthly meeting. Members welcome, Email us for your zoom link.

April 19, 2022, Historically Speaking presents the authors of Luschiim’s Plants: Traditional Indigenous Foods, Materials and Medicines, Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie and Nancy J. Turner for a free presentation via Zoom. Please email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for a link. Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie was born in Quamichan, one of the Cowichan Villages, in 1942 and has lived in the Duncan, BC, area all of his life. From the age of three, he began learning about plants and their various uses from the Elders in his family. Since then, he has made it a personal priority to gather knowledge about the natural environment. In 2007, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree at Malaspina University-College in recognition of his extensive contributions to the teaching of Coast Salish culture and traditions in a wide range of contexts, as well as his commitment to the protection of the environment and preservation of the Hul’q’umi’num’ language.  Nancy Turner is internationally known for her work in ethnobotany, the study of plants and cultures. She is a distinguished professor in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria and a research associate with the Royal British Columbia Museum. She has authored, co-authored, or edited many publications in the areas of ethnobotany, traditional ecological knowledge, and sustainable resource use in Canada and British Columbia, including more than 20 books.

February 2022

Feb. 8, 2022,  4pm, LDHS BOARD monthly meeting. Members welcome, Email us for your zoom link.

Feb. 21, 2022, 11 am – 3pm. Family Fun on the Waterfront, at Ladysmith Community Marina and the Industrial Heritage Park located at 600 bock Oyster Bay Drive (former Comox Logging & Rail Co.)

Feb 27, 2022, 7pm-8pm, Ladysmith Heritage Awards night. Please email the society for your zoom link to attend the awards show, or you can watch it live-streamed to the LDHS Group on Facebook

December 2021

Dec 4, 2021 to Jan 8, 2022 The Magic of The Season” on now at the Ladysmith Museum. This whimsical world of handcrafted miniatures will delight the young and young at heart. Discover how Ladysmith’s Festival of Lights started, and admire some early Christmas baubles along with our permanent displays on forestry, mining, and community life.
Enjoy our make and take craft table, have a treat, check out the gift shop, and take some memorable selfies. With every corner a delight to the eye, this is the perfect place for your Christmas family photo.
Sponsored by the Ladysmith & District Credit Union, admission is free. Open Sat & Sun 10-4 pm and Tues-Fri evenings from 4 pm to 8 pm for those who would like to visit while viewing the thousands of lights adorning Ladysmith’s downtown core in this year’s Festival of Lights.
School groups and private groups bookings are available. Phone 250-245-0423 or email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

Dec 14, 2021, 4pm BOARD meeting via Zoom. All members welcome. email info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for link.

Dec. 14, 7pm. Historically Speaking: The Story of Strathcona Park presented by Catherine Gilbert.  Join author and historian Catherine Gilbert as she takes us on A Journey Back to Nature as she leads us through the fascinating history of Vancouver Island’s beloved Strathcona Provincial Park, BC’s oldest provincial park now over 110 years. Join us for this special Historically Speaking presentation. Free.

Limited signed copies of her book are available at the Ladysmith Museum

November 2021

Nov 9, 2021, 4pm BOARD meeting via Zoom. All members welcome. email info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for link.

Nov 9, 7pm, Historically Speaking: The Story of Yellow Point Lodge presented by Richard Hill. Richard will walk you through the ages of this iconic resort. Free. For your link to the zoom presentation please email us at museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca or phone 250-245-0423 to register.

October 2021

Oct 12, 2021 BOARD meeting via ZOOM. All members welcome. Email info@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca for link.

Oct 16, 10-4pm Opening of  Ménage à Trois new exhibit by artist Lynda Phelan.

Oct 19, 7pm. Historically Speaking: Earthquake Ladysmith: History, Reason, Risk and Why you should Prepare. The talk, a repeat of one given in 2019 but not recorded for YouTube, examines the record of ‘Big One’ earthquakes on Vancouver Island, discusses the geology behind them, and details the associated risks facing property and people in Ladysmith. Presented by Dr. Quentin Goodbody, a geologist. Free.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87500062348
Meeting ID: 875 0006 2348

September 2021

Sept 11, 2021.  Noon -2 pm. AGM. Find up what your society has been up to this year. Election, Light Refreshments. Ladysmith Museum.

• Ladysmith Museum. LDHS – AGM – Saturday, Sept. 11^th – 12:00 NOON. Include the following link to our Certified By-Laws: https://www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Certifed-Bylaws-2020-AGM.pdf
• Location – Ladysmith Museum – Refreshments will be provided.
• Agenda:

• • Welcome and Determination of a Quorum
  • President’s Address
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Committee Reports
  • Board Elections:

• • • All those interested in letting their name stand for election will require the following:

• • • • Per Section 3.2.3 – “ A Member may designate a proxy to vote on his/her behalf, said proxy to be registered with the Society Secretary a minimum of three days prior to the meeting in accordance with the protocol outlined in LDHS Policy 001 (Appointment of Proxy).” Note: Proxy Form can be email to members.
      • Per Section 3.2.5 – The AGM shall  be not less than 25% of the members in Good Standing present in person or Proxy.
      • Per Section 7.2.3 – A member must be in Good Standing for a minimum of 21 days prior to the election date, and is required to have their nomination signed by two members in Good Standing to be delivered to the Secretary at least 10-days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

• • Members Input – Suggestions, Recommendation, Volunteering, Etc.

Sept 14, 4pm. BOARD Meeting. All members are welcome via zoom.  Email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsoceity.ca or call 250-245-0423 for a zoom link.

Sept 25, 9am-1pm, Community Garage Sale at the Ladysmith Museum. 721 First Avenue. Got stuff you want to sell? Book your spot for $10.  250-245-0423 or email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

PAST EVENTS 2021

August 2021

August 19, 2021, 2-3pm. Tea and Tales, Ladysmith Museum – Topic Ladysmith’s heritage hotels- the Travelers, Ladysmith Hotel and colourful Annie Steevens who operated them with special guest Val Galvin, the great granddaughter of Annie. Tea and crumpets following a short video or slide show. Hosted by Rob Johnson and Ladysmith Museum Curator Lesley Moore. Free.

August 26, 2021, 2-3pm, Tea & Tales, Ladysmith Museum. Topic:  Ladysmith’s oyster growers.  This area is known for its abundance of oysters with the industry here in our harbour. Special guest Myf Plecas, an oyster pioneer and author of My Mom was an Oyster Farmer. Tea and crumpets following a short video or slide show. Hosted by Rob Johnson and Ladysmith Museum Curator Lesley Moore. Free.

August 30, 2021, Noon-3pm, LDHS Members & Volunteers Appreciation Afternoon Tea.Ladysmith Museum.  Exhibits, indoor & outdoor activities, music, short films. Free. Great time to renew or take out your membership before the AGM.

July 2021

Tuesday, July 13. 4 pm BOARD Meeting – members welcome. Email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsoceity.ca or call 250-245-0423 for a zoom link.

Tuesday. July 20, 7 pm. Historically Speaking presents “BC 150, Confederation and the Railway: How Ladysmith ties into the tricky tale of the E&N” which explores the promises, broken and fulfilled, leading to BC joining the Canadian Confederation in 1871 and the construction of the Esquimalt to Nanaimo railway between 1884-1886 with extensions to Wellington in 1887 and to downtown Victoria in 1888 original Ladysmith Station, not built until 1900, rapidly became ‘the’ hub of activity in the northern part of the line and remained so ‘till the demise of coal mining at Extension.  Put the present station building (constructed 1943) in context for your visit to its open house on July 21^st.  The talk will be presented by Dr. Quentin Goodbody via Zoom. Email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsocieety.ca for a free link.

Wed June 21, 4pm-7pm Open House at the Ladysmith Railway Station. Come see the work done by volunteers and share your thoughts for the station’s best uses for the LDHS and the community. Located on the corner of Island Highway entrance to Transfer Beach Park.  Email info@ladysmithhistoricalsocieety.ca

June 2021

Tuesday, June 8, 4 pm. Monthly BOARD Meeting. Members welcome. Email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsoceity.ca or call 250-245-0423 for a zoom link.

Thursday, June 17, 7 pm-8 pm Historically Speaking presents Ladysmith’s Early Neighbourhoods by  Lesley Moore who will be presenting images and maps and taking a look into early records of who lived where prior to the Second World War.  How we describe where we live changes with circumstance and Ladysmith for its first fifty years had abrupt ups and downs. What identifies a neighbourhood? Come and find out.

Saturday & Sunday, June 19, 20, 2021 10 am-4pm  HomeTown Tourist Weekend events include: Big Used (& New) Books Sale, Prime Predators and Octopussy Garden exhibit, outdoor games and refreshments at the Ladysmith Museum.

May 2021

Tuesday, May 11, at 4 pm. Monthly BOARD Meeting. Members welcome. Email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsoceity.ca or call 250-245-0423 for a zoom link.

Thursday, May 13, 7 pm -8 pm Historically Speaking presents: Wildlife Awareness & Safety. Learn about bears, cougars, wolves, deer and elk on Vancouver Island. The concept of human-wildlife conflict is also taught and people are encouraged to take an active role in reducing wildlife attractants around their home, work, and recreational activities. The program fosters a respectful relationship with all wildlife that emphasizes keeping wildlife wild and communities safe. Presented by Amanda Crowston, Cowichan Valley WildSafeBC Coordinator this is part of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society’s “Historically Speaking” series presented on ZOOM. To register and get your link, please email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca or phone 250-245-0423.

April 2021

Tuesday, April 13, at 4pm. Monthly BOARD Meeting. Members welcome. Email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsoceity.ca or call 250-245-0423 for a zoom link.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7 pm – 8 pm  Historically Speaking presents: Who was Lady Smith? James Dunsmuir named the Town of Ladysmith to commemorate the lifting of the siege of Ladysmith during the Boer War. The Town was named after Lady Juanita Smith, but who was she? Join local historian Rob Johnson as he explores the woman and the myth. To reserve and get your zoom link call 250-245-0423 or email museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

March 2021

Monday, March 1, 10 am-noon, ONE Workshop – Many Cultures. Networking and collaborative workshop of community heritage stakeholders. email museum@ladsymithhistoricalsociety.ca or phone 250-245-0423 for the registration link.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 4 pm – 5:30 pm. Monthly BOARD Meeting, members welcome. Via zoom.  Email us for a link.

Monday, March 15, 10 am-noon, Continued:  ONE Workshop – Many Cultures. Networking and collaborative workshop of community heritage stakeholders. email museum@ladsymithhistoricalsociety.ca or phone 250-245-0423 for the registration link.

Thursday, March 18, 2021 6:30-7:30 pm  Historically Speaking series “MDA King of Ladysmith” presented by author Daryl Ashby with guest Cindy Damphousse and Rob Johnson. Free. Join Zoom Meeting

February 2021

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4pm-5:30pm, BOD Meeting

Feb 15-28 Family Day Heritage Treasure Map Trail. Join us at the Ladysmith Museum and the Ladysmith Maritime Society on Sunday, Feb 28 from 10 am to 4pm as Heritage Treasure Trail is completed. Refreshments, and goodie bags to participants. Displays and heritage boats on view. Info 250-245-0423 or museum@ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

January 2021

Tuesday, Jan 12, 4:00 pm,  BOD Meeting

Tuesday, Jan 19, 6:30 to 7:30 pm via Zoom.

Historically Speaking series: On Ecosystems in the past, changes, and today. Effects of railroad logging, Lessons from the past for Climate Change and Forest Management. Piikkila is a Forest & Watershed Ecologist.