The Golden & District Historical Society and the Golden Museum
The Golden & District Historical Society, a volunteer based registered non-profit society, was formed in 1968, and incorporated in 1969 as the Golden & District Historical Society.
After a considerable amount of fundraising the Golden & District Historical Society built the Golden Museum on land that was donated for that purpose. The Museum opened in 1974 and has been added to since it was first built.
The Golden & District Historical Society is the governing body for the Golden Museum.
Golden and District Historical Society 2025
L to R:
Ruth Frisky, Director - director@goldenbcmuseums.com
Jim deBolebec, President - president@goldenbcmuseums.com
Louise Jobin, Director - director2@goldenbcmuseums.com
Denice Darbyshire, Treasurer - treasurer@goldenbcmuseums.com
Todd Wilson, Director - director1@goldenbcmuseums.com
Olivia Wilson, Secretary - secretary@goldenbcmuseums.com
Brittany Newman, Executive Director - museum.golden@gmail.com
WHAT WE STAND FOR
The Golden and District Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the rich and diverse history of Golden and its neighboring communities. We safeguard artifacts of historical significance to Golden and Area A, curate engaging exhibits, and offer dynamic educational programs. Through our resource center and archives, we provide access to collections that connect people to the past.
Our guiding principles are simple yet powerful:
Inspire curiosity. Involve our community. Share our story.
HISTORY NERD?
The Golden Museum is a welcoming space where everyone can explore, experience, and enjoy the rich story of Golden, BC, and its surrounding communities in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. Through our extensive collections and versatile spaces, we offer a wide range of programming — from permanent and special exhibits to hands-on activities and educational events.
Each year, we welcome approximately 3,500 visitors on-site and connect with thousands more through off-site programs and online resources. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or just curious about the past, there's something here for you
THE MUSEUM
The Golden & District Historical Society is a volunteer-based, registered non-profit organization that was founded in 1968 and officially incorporated in 1969. As a member-driven society, it is guided by a dedicated board of eight directors, with executive meetings held six times a year and general member meetings held nine times annually.
Our membership fluctuates around 45 individuals, and we’re fortunate to have a large network of volunteers who generously support our work in many ways — even if they choose not to become formal members. Their contributions are vital to our success and help us bring Golden’s history to life.
Services
The Golden & District Historical Society provides the following services to the community and visitors to our area including:
Photograph Collection - Archives lookups - A photographic collection of over 10,000 images. 7000 images have been scanned and are available for viewing at the museum in digital format.
Golden Newspapers - The Golden Newspapers from 1891 to the present. Approximately 85,000 pages of the Golden Star have been scanned to the pdf format and are currently available to the public at the museum or by making a request online or by email.
Family Files - Family files for people working on genealogy projects that include approximately 3,500 people. The files contain information about births, deaths and marriage that took place in the collection area as well as colorful events and stories that we have written or that have been submitted to us by family members.
Maps and Plans - Our collection includes rare, unique and one of a kind maps and plans for the Golden and Area A and they number approximately 60. Several of the maps and fire insurance plans have been digitized. Maps in the collection date back to 1884.
School Programs - that incorporate the Brisco Schoolhouse and teaching in the classroom. School groups from the local schools visit the museum annually and begin their tour in the schoolhouse. The museum is also well equipped to go into the classrooms with trunks and exhibits to do onsite teaching.
Community Events - The Historical Society is involved in several special events throughout the year that attract large numbers of people to the museum.
Canada Day is an annual event that keeps growing year after year with many young families attending the event. We have live music, old fashioned games for kids, singing of the anthem, cake and hot dogs.
Golden Museum Fall Faire, which also attracts more people each year.
FREE Resources we use and you can too!
The Golden Era Newspaper 1893-1902 can be found in the UBC Library and is searchable. Follow this link....The Golden Era
The East Kootenay Miner Newspaper 1897-1898 can be found in the UBC Library and is searchable. Follow this link.... East Kootenay Miner
The Golden Times Newspaper 1907-1909 can be found in the UBC Library and is searchable. Follow this link.... Golden Times
Quartz Creek Miner Newspaper 1897. Only one issue of this newspaper is known to exist and can be found in the UBC Library is is searchable. Follow this link.... Quartz Creek Miner
BC Vital Statistics for births, deaths, and marriages can be found on the Royal BC Museum Website but you can search it free here....Genealogy
Golden Municipal Cemetery Records can be found on Find A Grave....Follow this link
Explore historical landmarks in the region using this map!