Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
Mandy the Haunted Doll may have put the Quesnel Museum on the map, but Museum Manager Elizabeth Hunter notes that the museum is packed with many fantastic exhibits and interesting stories. Even locals are regularly surprised by the things they discover about Quesnel’s history.
Quesnel has a rich history as a commercial centre on the famous Cariboo Wagon Road and the final stop for sternwheelers on the route to Barkerville. The museum tells the stories of the gold miners and the entrepreneurs that catered to them as they searched for fortune.
The character of the town’s earliest inhabitants is eloquently captured in the portraits of C.D. Hoy and C.S. Wing and elders from the Chinese and Dakelh communities speak directly to visitors through filmed segments. Children enjoy scavenger hunts and hands-on activities in the discovery centre. Bring your smartphone to access bonus material by scanning QR codes. The museum also boasts a gift shop that features books about BC’s history or by local authors, as well as an array of gifts such as Quesnel clothing, jade jewellery, classic and modern toys, and aboriginal artwork.
Meet Elizabeth Hunter, Museum & Heritage Manager
Meet Elizabeth Hunter, Museum & Heritage Manager
Elizabeth Hunter can answer just about any question you might have about Quesnel and its history as a hub for fortune-seekers. And though the gold eventually disappeared, Quesnel remained as the gateway to the Cariboo, and Elizabeth works hard to preserve its colourful history and bring its past to life for today's residents and visitors.
The museum itself is a piece of Quesnel's history, having been here for over 50 years. The rest of its stories can be found inside where Elizabeth, staff and volunteers create and maintain its displays and lovingly care for some of the town's oldest artifacts.
The Museum Gift Shop was opened as a means of generating funding for the museum and its programs to ensure its sustainability in the community. After enjoying the displays inside visitors can purchase commemorative Quesnel clothing, BC jade products and original local artwork.
Elizabeth's job is never boring. Every day is different and finds her researching new artifacts, tracking down new additions to the museum's collection and creating programs that get people involved in and excited about their town's history. She is thrilled to be serving the city of Quesnel and loves living here for its familiar, friendly feel and variety of activities and shopping.
Quesnel, BC V2J 2B6
Hours
Open daily in summer
(Victoria Day to Labour Day)
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Early May and September
Tuesday to Saturday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
October to April
Open by appointment only
