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GUEST COLUMN: Summerland Museum helps uncover family stories

Discovering local history can also inspire us to improve, both individually and together
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Claire Macdonald

Part of the Summerland Museum and Archives Society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, research, interpret, and display objects that are historically significant to our community.”

While this is certainly true, this does not fully portray the importance of what our organization does or why local history is valuable.

There is something special about a small community museum, such as ours.

In many cases, our collection is made up of historically significant artifacts that have come from the relatives of Summerland’s current residents.

For some of us, learning about Summerland’s local history isn’t just about discovering a distant, unconnected past — it can be a way to learn more about our own heritage and identity.

Visitors are often surprised to learn that we may have a file on their family, historical photographs of their relatives, or information on their heritage home or commercial building.

Since I started working at the museum in November 2017, I have learned so much about my Gartrell roots and family’s stories, which has deepened my connection to Summerland and my understanding of who I am.

Through our archives, I now know what my relatives from the 1800s looked like. The other day, I was amazed to find a photograph from 1910 with George Gartrell and his pet bear, Bruin!

I’ve also had the pleasure of getting to know my late great-aunt Mary, whom my middle name was selected after, through her writing and records that are preserved at the museum.

She was passionate about history, and without her efforts and dedication, I think that much of my family’s legacy (and other history) would have been lost.

Learning about Summerland’s past is just as important for residents without a long history in the area. Understanding how our town was shaped can change their perception and appreciation of Summerland today and bring the community together through a shared sense of identity.

Discovering local history can also inspire us to improve, both individually and together.

Not all of Summerland’s history is commendable, but by ensuring that our errors are remembered and learned from, we can strive to make up for past injustices and work towards a better future.

Our past reminds us that although things are always changing, many things stay the same.

We have photos at the museum showing people enthusiastically hiking on Giant’s Head Mountain from the early 1900s, which most of us still love to do.

And while old photos of Main Street may show horse and carriages outside of storefronts instead of cars, the row of unique businesses that line Main Street continue to create a similar feeling of a quaint, nostalgic downtown.

Summerland has gone through so many changes in the past 100 years, and yet, we continue to be a community that is close-knit, culturally vibrant, and actively involved in local organizations.

By looking to the past, we can be confident that our fundamental values will not be lost as we make our way into the future.

It is encouraging that there are so many citizens who greatly care about the Museum and local history.

Although the museum is facing many challenges, including lack of space, funding, and human resources, I am hopeful that with the support of this wonderful community, we will be able to persevere in carrying out our mission for the public’s benefit.

If you are interested in Summerland’s history, consider becoming a member of the society, which will enable you to access our archives, be updated on events, and help further the organization.

Claire Macdonald is the museum administrator at the Summerland Museum and Archives Society.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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