MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver Bringing Stories To Life
Congratulations to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver on the grand opening of their new museum! Step into a new dawn Design–build lighting, audiovisual & interactive software services for museums
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MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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City of North Vancouver : Mayor Linda Buchanan
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District of North Vancouver: Mayor Mike Little
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Mayor Linda Buchanan and Museum Director Wesley Wenhardt on the newly refurbished Streetcar 153, August 2021. | ALISON BOULIER
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his pandemic has been difficult on all of us, but for some it has been harder than we can even imagine. Documenting our community’s stories through this once in a generation world event has preserved a part of our local history. Since the start of this pandemic there has been a sense that we are living in what will become a historic moment not soon forgotten by future generations. That is why I am so pleased that MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver captures our important
moments as a community. The work MONOVA does to keep our history alive through the museum and archives is essential in building a vibrant, inclusive, and informed community for all. The new museum located at the foot of Lonsdale is the perfect addition to the City of North Vancouver’s cultural precinct. I look forward to seeing you there! Mayor Linda Buchanan, CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER
want to congratulate MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver for opening its doors to the public. MONOVA’s engaging storytelling and exhibits help us connect to our shared history as we look ahead to the future. North Vancouver now has a world-class venue where we can learn and reflect about our community. Every day, we are creating the history of North Vancouver together. I think back to February 10, 2010, when the Olympic torch relay passed in front of my house. Neighbours and students from the nearby elementary school excitedly lined the street to watch. I don’t think many of us focused on the fact that we were witnessing history. Instead, that event was about celebrating together and cheering on the torch-bearer. This is the type of special moment in our shared North Vancouver history that will be chronicled in MONOVA’s exhibits for residents and visitors to enjoy. I just toured the new museum, and there truly is something for everyone. I am passionate about transportation, and the interactive Streetcar 153 display is incredible. This iconic streetcar carried passengers up and down Lonsdale and is an
Archivist Dr. Jessica Bushey with Mayor Mike Little at MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, October 2021. | STEPHEN IRVING
integral piece of North Vancouver’s transportation history. The exhibit offers an opportunity to reflect on our progress and what the future holds for transportation and travelling within North Vancouver. I know that you will find something that will personally connect with you at MONOVA too. Mayor Mike Little, DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER
Congratulations to the entire team at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing this exciting project to life.
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MONOVA : Museum of North Vancouver is ready to welcome the world
Look for stories of the North Shore’s past, present and future at this new state-of-the-art museum
Actor-Interpreter Chantal Gallant invites the community in to see the recently restored Streetcar 153 in the lobby of MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver. | ALISON BOULIER
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t’s taken 50-years, a multitude of meaningful discussions with community members and Indigenous leaders, countless volunteer hours, and painstaking research to amass a collection of more than 9,000 artefacts, but — finally — MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver is ready to open the doors to its new
permanent home in the Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District. And, with that, the team at MONOVA is ready to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future with programming, displays and community outreach dedicated to North Vancouver and its culturally diverse residents. The new Museum of North Vancouver joins the Archives of North Vancouver in Lynn Valley under the MONOVA banner. But, the completion of the museum was not without its challenges. As if all our preparation and planning for the opening of a 16,000-square-foot museum wasn’t enough, a pandemic thrown into the mix could have derailed a less dedicated team, but not the determined staff members and volunteers it took to bring MONOVA to life. “The past year has been challenging for many of us and with this project we’re excited to be a part of North Vancouver’s pandemic recovery,” says MONOVA Director Wesley Wenhardt. “Now more than ever, museums are where
communities discover themselves and grow strong and resilient. More than a museum — the goal of MONOVA is to build community, which remains as important as ever.” With everything finally falling into place, it’s time for us to welcome everyone to celebrate some of the key accomplishments and highlights of the museum, including years of consultation with Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and S lílw tal (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations to ensure their vital histories and stories are presented respectfully. The team at MONOVA believes in the importance of strengthening the community’s cultural and heritage fabric by cultivating relationships with others. In addition to the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver, we are very pleased to collaborate with many other community and arts organizations on the North Shore. We’re excited to reveal the results of all of our hard work — and the efforts of those who came before us. monova.ca
Congratulations to MONOVA Museum
Congratulations to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver on their grand opening.
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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MONOVA : Archives of North Vancouver is home to more than 50,000 archival records Explore North Vancouver and its people through archival collections, research and exhibits
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he Archives of North Vancouver invites the North Shore community to discover their shared history by visiting our beautiful heritage building in Lynn Valley. Located in the former Fourth Lynn Valley School which was renovated in 2005, the archives continues to unite our community as a place of life-long learning and storytelling. The state-of-the-art storage facility, welcoming reference room and commemorative outdoor plaza are a destination for visitors interested in knowing more about the diversity and determination of our early communities. Dive into the danger of mountaineering, uncover the secrets of an intelligence office in WW1 or sing along with logging camp culture. The archives has it all! As the designated repository for historical records of both the City
and District of North Vancouver, our professional staff provide residents and visitors with easy access to fire insurance maps, city clerk correspondence, and real estate genealogy. In addition to public records of municipal governance, the archives acquires and preserves the private records of North Shore individuals and businesses, as well as records of associations and societies. We also have a growing collection of oral histories, which reveal the recollections of individuals who live and contribute to the vibrant community of North Vancouver. The archives preserves more than 50,000 archival records, including photographs, ship plans, maps, diaries, drawings, films and videos. We are committed to making our archival collections as accessible as possible through an ongoing digitization program. As physical materials are digitized,
the archives staff uploads digital photographs, maps, letters etc. into our online database, which is available 24-hours a day on the MONOVA website. The database makes it easy for anyone to start their historical search online from the comfort of home or on-the-go. In response to our ever-changing world, the archives remains engaged with contemporary issues through an active exhibition and outreach program. New physical exhibits and online interactive exhibits are presented throughout the year. Our exhibits and programs expose audiences to newly acquired archival materials and, through partnerships with local schools and organizations, we introduce new perspectives about our shared identity, history and place. Located at 3203 Institute Road, the Archives of North Vancouver is open to all. Learn more at monova.ca/archives.
MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver is located in the century-old Fourth Lynn Valley School in the District of North Vancouver. | ALISON BOULIER
Welcome MONOVA!
The Babalos, Makris, and Best Families welcome MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver to the Shipyard District in lower Lonsdale. We look forward to working with the Museum for many years to come! BABCO EQUITIES LTD.
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MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver opens Saturday, December 4 in The Shipyards
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The museum’s Connections Gallery examines human stories, as well as social and physical connections. | ALISON BOULIER
n addition to being the new home of restored Streetcar 153, decades-long in completion, the museum includes a powerful new cedar carving of Sch’ich’iyuy (The Two Sisters) by Skwxwú7mesh carver Wade Baker. And that’s just the lobby. MONOVA will welcome visitors to explore its spacious core gallery, which includes interactive displays, as well as moving tributes to the past. A section dedicated to Residential School survivors and their families is particularly poignant. A Welcome Circle showcasing local Indigenous cultures of the Skwxwú7mesh and Səlílwətal
Nations is a central feature of this area. Other features of the core exhibit gallery include: • Touched by Nature, including an Amazing Animals display with discovery drawers designed for children to explore • The changing face of outdoor recreation • A Connections section exploring the many ways people are connected in our community • Sports: past and present, including Olympic athletes • Women in Wartime • History of shipbuilding on the North Shore • North Vancouver’s waterfront and port operations • Innovative industries that took shape in North Vancouver
• Two hands-on learning zones for children And much more …. Exhibits were designed by Juan Tanus and his team from North Vancouver-based KEI Space Design with extensive input from community members, local historians, Indigenous cultural advisors, and MONOVA staff. Exhibits were fabricated by 3DS/ Three Dimensional Services The museum’s Feature Exhibition Gallery will open in early 2022. We invite you to stop by! The new museum will open for a limited “preview” starting Saturday, December 4 and will be open Thursdays to Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To plan your visit, check out: monova.ca/visit
NORTH VANCOUVER DISTRICT
Public Library
Congratulations, MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver! We’re thrilled to explore and experience the rich history of the North Shore, its local people and cultures at the new MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver facility. Interested in telling your own story? Be inspired to create, connect with your community, and bring your own digital projects to life at StoryLab, a new digital creation space at Lynn Valley Library.
Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association celebrates the grand opening of the new MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver in the heart of the Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District. The addition of MONOVA adds a truly historical and educational experience for both visitors and locals alike. Congratulations MONOVA!
vancouversnorthshore.com
Learn more at nvdpl.ca/storylab
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Indigenous Voices
The new Museum of North Vancouver showcases the voices and
S Skwxwú7mesh Cultural Programmer Senaqwila Wyss. | ALISON BOULIER
Photo credit:
“Pulling with My Ancestors about war canoe racing and its spiritual significance.” North Shore News photo by Paul McGrath, June 30, 2018.
tories are a collective memory of a place and time. MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver is filled with the stories of our past. It is the story that starts with an ancient people who, with intelligence, used an abundant rainforest and moved on to a landscape filled with many peoples sharing a vibrant modern metropolis. MONOVA is located on the unceded lands of the Skwxwú7mesh and Səlílwətal Nations. A fitting welcome to museum visitors is a cedar sculpture of Sch’ich’iyuy (The Two Sisters) by carver Wade Baker, winner of a public art competition. “The red cedar Sch’ich’iyuy panel is based on the ancient Skwxwú7mesh Sisters Mountain Transformer legend,” notes Baker, who adds, today, the twin peaks are known as the “Lions Mountains.” “The twins were raised from childhood to be leaders for their people. They asked their father, the Siyam, the Chief, to bring peace to the warring tribes along the coast.”
Their father agreed and fires were lit all along the coast to signal a great welcoming feast to bring peace. “For their efforts, the twins were immortalized in the mountain peaks you see today that watch over us,” says Baker. This is just one example of place-name family stories. The landscape you see all around us tells the story of the Coast Salish people. “Belongings and artefacts have tremendous power — they connect us to our history and help inform our future,” explains museum curator Barbara Hilden. “They are tangible representations of stories, and we take our obligations to these stories and the people they represent very seriously. We look forward to sharing stories and inspiring generations to come.” While the former North Vancouver Museum and Archives included some connections with these Indigenous communities over previous years, as part of the planning for the new museum, a more strategic response to strengthening these community relationships was undertaken. One of the calls to action of Canada’s Truth
Community living is about being able to explore your surroundings. At PARC, we offer the best locations on the North Shore and we’re proud to provide culturally-rich experiences for the community like the Passion for Place exhibition at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver that honours stories from the (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
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Westerleigh: 604.922.9888 | Cedar Springs: 604.986.3633 | Summerhill: 604.980.6525
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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at MONOVA
stories of the Coast Salish Nations and Reconciliation Commission stood out as a guide for MONOVA and the Nations to develop a more formal working relationship. “There is an urgent need in Canada to develop historically literate citizens who understand why and how the past is relevant to their own lives and the future of the country,” the document reads in part. “Museums have an ethical responsibility to foster national reconciliation and not simply tell one party’s version of the past.” To help create a more informed community, MONOVA has signed similar Memoranda of Understanding and Protocol Agreements with each of the Nations. These agreements outline a wide range of Indigenous-focused exhibit and programming objectives for both the museum in The Shipyards and the archives of North Vancouver in Lynn Valley. This work is now being guided by members of the Indigenous Voices Advisory Committee co-chaired by
Səlílwətal elder Carleen Thomas, and Squamish Chief Janice George, and led by Indigenous staff on the MONOVA team, including Senaqwila Wyss and Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss). In addition, I have joined MONOVA as the organization’s Indigenous Cultural Policy and Procedures Advisor. As part of that, the museum continues to facilitate the movement of its travelling exhibit, ‘Chief Dan George: Actor and Activist’ around BC and has offered popular online workshops on Coast Salish weaving, the Salish Woolly Dog, and Coast Salish canoe culture. Several other programs are also in development for the museum’s opening year. This work, which will help share Coast Salish culture and stories with the wider community, has been supported through the generous sponsorship of donors, including BMO Financial Group, which contributed $350,000 for
We’re proud to have raised the walls and ceilings at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver.
We wish them great success!
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604-371-4599
related programming. On a personal note, I believe a benevolent Creator provided for all of our needs. The people appreciated the gifts from a Higher Power and treated their abundance with reverence and respect. Now, together we are forging a future where we all walk side by side. For more information on Indigenous events and programming at MONOVA, please visit monova.ca. By Latash Maurice Nahanee
Skwxwú7mesh Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss). | ALISON BOULIER
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Welcome Aboard the
The refurbished streetcar sits front-and-
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Streetcar 153 in its new home in the lobby of the new Museum of North Vancouver. | ALISON BOULIER
nside Streetcar 153 in the lobby of MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver the sound of streetcar gongs and snippets of conversation can be heard. Specially scripted and recorded, the voices of streetcar riders from the past take visitors of today back to the years between 1912 to 1946 when the streetcar travelled up and down what was then known as the “Lonsdale Line.” Museum visitors will hear from streetcar conductors and riders and will discover notable community members such as Lim Gong, a grocer, who moved to North Vancouver in 1900. Car 153 was one of 13 street railway cars in North Vancouver’s so-called “perfect little streetcar system” which
carried passengers from the ferry wharf at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue to Lynn Valley, Upper Lonsdale, and the Capilano Canyon. Propelled by electric power, a set of trolley poles atop the car carried current from overhead wires to a controller inside the car and from there to the motors beneath. The cars were drivable from both ends. The crew consisted of a motorman, who controlled the car’s speed and braking, and a conductor who collected passenger fares and flipped the seat backs over to face in the travelling direction when the end of the line was reached. The car’s interior has been restored and recreated, right down to advertising cards that may once have lined the wooden panels above the windows. The warm wood of the walls compliments the woven rattan seats and raised clerestory roof, giving the interior a welcoming feel museum visitors will appreciate. Historic images projected on a wall outside the car help people visualize what North
Vancouver’s streetcar era was like. "With the opening of the Museum of North Vancouver, Streetcar 153 did more than just come home. It was lovingly restored,” says Director Wesley Wenhardt. “In the process, the streetcar became an icon, a symbol of this unique community and its beloved streetcar system — and the perfect anchor for the new museum.” It's been a long road for the 39-foot streetcar since it was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1946. When streetcars were replaced by buses, some North Vancouver cars were converted into holiday cabins in Ruskin. Car 160 was later found in the bush near Gibsons Landing. Car 153’s body was sold for $150 and shipped to Chilliwack where, for a while, it was used as a coffee shop, then a chicken coop and was eventually abandoned in a farmer’s field, stacked full of debris. And that could have been the end of the car if not for transit historian Brian
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“Perfect Little Streetcar” centre at the new Museum of North Vancouver Kelly, who oversaw North Vancouver bus operations in the 1980s. By the late 1970s, there were no known facts about the car’s whereabouts— only rumours — but a friend of Kelly’s was convinced he’d spotted it in the Ryder Lake area of Chilliwack. So the search was on and after a couple of road trips out to Ryder Lake, it was spotted in a farmyard. The streetcar was filled with barrels and garbage, but Kelly moved the trash out of the way, stepped on board, and saw the number 153 on the bulkhead. The rest, as they say, is history. The City of North Vancouver stepped up and purchased the car, provided restoration funds, acquired replacement parts, stored it for 33 years, and designated a permanent home for it in the new Museum of North Vancouver. “The restoration of Streetcar 153 was truly a labour of love for us,” adds David Walmsley from the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. “What could be saved was restored. And what
couldn't be was replaced. Piece by piece, the streetcar began to shine. We're incredibly proud to contribute to bringing Streetcar 153 back to North Vancouver.” Championing the streetcar’s return in 1986 was the first Director of the North Vancouver Museum and Archives (1971 to 1991) Bill Baker, who passed away in 2011. Volunteers Bob Booth (1919-2015), a retired architect, acted as the project manager for the streetcar’s restoration from 1988 to 1992, while Carl Anderson, a retired shipwright from Burrard Dry Dock, re-built the car from Booth’s plans. Volunteer Stephen Ley helped complete the final construction work. Among other key players in the success of the project were Robin Inglis, former NVMA Director (1991-2007), Gary Payne, former City Councillor and NVMA Commission Chair, and Gary Penway, former Director of Community Development for the City of North Vancouver. Don Evans (1947-2019),
President Emeritus of the West Coast Railway Association, oversaw the completion of the car’s restoration which was carried out by David Walmsley and Blaine Thompson. Funding for the project came in part from the City of North Vancouver, B.C. Heritage Trust, and the Province of B.C. During the pandemic, MONOVA created live virtual viewing events called “Riding with Change: Streetcar Stories on the North Shore,” using resources from the archives to recreate a day-in-the-life snapshot of Streetcar 153 during its prime. Via Zoom, online guests could ride the streetcar as it made its way up and down Lonsdale. But with the museum now open to the public, visitors can explore Streetcar 153 and see the masterful restoration job for themselves. For more information about MONOVA and Streetcar 153, visit monova.ca. By Sandra Thomas with notes from the North Shore News
Actor-interpreter Chantal Gallant (right) invites the community in to see the recently restored Streetcar 153. | ALISON BOULIER
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MONOVA : offers family-friendly fun
Check out these kid-centric activities at the new Museum of North Vancouver
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Families with children visiting MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver can explore and discover the past, present and future of their community through fun-filled, interactive experiences, including science shows, Indigenous programming, and fun facts about local animals.
Sensory Friendly Mornings Once a month, MONOVA will open an hour before its regular schedule to allow families and caregivers of children and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and neurological differences to be able to visit the museum in a calm, relaxed atmosphere — and also take part in a craft activity if they wish. Visitors will be able download a sensory map to prepare for their visit in advance. Hands-on fun — and Learning The museum’s permanent exhibits include two dedicated learning zones, including an interactive, hands-on “neighbourhood” play area aimed at preschool children. The second hands-on, family-friendly section is an interactive shipyard area for kids aged six and older, where they’ll have fun learning how to
balance the load of a container ship. Indigenous Programming Learn about the land and local plants through interactive exhibits, seasonal walks with MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers and programs in the museum’s Coast Salish plant garden (opening in 2022). As well, some demonstrations offered will include Coast Salish arts and knowledge sharing by Skwxwú7mesh and Səlílwətal community members. Science Shows The museum’s science shows will explore links between science and history with eye-catching experiments and safe, hands-on activities for families and general visitors. The four different shows will be free as part of museum admission. Amazing Animals Interactive Exhibit The Amazing Animals interactive exhibit offers fun facts about the wild animals and birds you might bump into on the North Shore, including bears, cougars, eagles and hummingbirds. At MONOVA, you’ll learn about the habits and diets of these creatures, how to cohabitate safely
with them, and what we can learn from animal poop. Theatre in the Gallery Families will encounter costumed actor-interpreters who bring exhibits to life through short, immersive and interactive appearances by sharing personalized, moving and sometimes humorous stories. Campfire Capers: Parent and Toddler Weekly Circle Time For the museum’s youngest visitors, the Campfire Capers sessions will explore the stories of the North Shore through artefacts, sensory play, songs and hands-on activities. Visit monova.ca for updates on kids programming.
The museum offers a number of digital and interactive exhibits | ALISON BOULIER
TO ALL THE AMAZING PEOPLE AT
MONOVA: MUSEUM OF NORTH VANCOUVER,
O N YO U R G RA N D O P E N I N G ! Your hard work and passion to bring North Vancouver’s rich and diverse history right to the heart of Lower Lonsdale will strengthen the community and educate people for many generations to come. Thank you for your continued support!
604-985-1242 | #103-720 Copping Street, North Vancouver, BC
Congratulations to our partners at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver on the opening of their new location in Shipyards District. We are looking forward to continued collaboration and partnership.
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Museum includes extensive Indigenous collection Collection includes carved cedar mask by Skwxwú7mesh artist John August
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MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, NVMA #27-679. Photography by Jack Cash
n keeping with MONOVA’s ongoing commitment to meaningfully respond to the calls to action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the museum continues to work hard to share the stories of the Skwxwú7mesh and Səlílwətal Nations, and highlight the significant contributions of Indigenous leaders to preserve culture and languages, and advocate for Indigenous rights. MONOVA has worked closely with the Skwxwú7mesh and Səlílwətal Nations to develop the exhibits and stories which are featured in the new museum. These belongings are a very small example of the Indigenous collection the museum has amassed over the decades.
Carved Cedar Mask Carved cedar mask by Skwxwú7mesh artist John August depicting the Wild Man of the Woods, a figure from Skwxwú7mesh oral traditions. The Wild Man of the Woods is easy to spot by his mussed hair, sunken eyes, and hooked nose.
Welcome to the North Shore, MONOVA!
Neptune is pleased to be Presenting Sponsor of MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver’s inaugural feature exhibit, You Are Here @ The Shipyards. We look forward to supporting this and other future programming that creates connections to the history of North Vancouver for all who live, work and visit here.
neptuneterminals.com
Carved Figure Small figure by Skwxwú7mesh master carver Andrew Natrall (1895 – 1988). Depicts the giantess of the woods, a character from Skwxwú7mesh oral tradition meant to warn about the possible dangers of the forest.
Carved Net Float Carved net floats like these were a common sight in North Vancouver, with many artists working in local industries such as fishing. Here we see an interesting example from the 1960s that has been carved from foam, as opposed to the more common softwood.
Just like MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver our roots run deep on the North Shore.
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MONOVA to feature
Museum of North Vancouver will include exhibits
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s community engagement facilitator at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, Andisheh Fard says it’s important the North Shore’s Iranian community consider the museum their own. “We want the museum to be reflective of their experiences,” says Andisheh. “We also want the Iranian community to reach out to us to share their ideas and stories.” Andisheh partnered with the museum in March 2021, along with historian and researcher AR
The curatorial team installing the Iranian exhibit at the new Museum of North Vancouver | ALISON BOULIER
Rezamand, to explore ways to deepen MONOVA’s connection to the Iranian community of North Vancouver, which, according to the 2016 Canadian Census, includes more than 15,000 people and continues to grow. (Statistics from the 2021 Census were not yet released at the time of this article.) “We want the Iranian community and other cultural communities of North Vancouver to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion,” says Andisheh. “The ethnic diversity of North Vancouver is so varied, we want to share the stories of the people of the North Shore community as a whole.” To that end, MONOVA is dedicated to telling those stories, which focus on connections between Indigenous communities, long-term
settlers and newcomers. The Iranian community in North Vancouver has been growing steadily since the 1970s and the City and District have been enriched with the Iranian shops, restaurants, bakeries, services and celebrations that followed. With the Iranian community continuing to grow, in 2012 the (then) North Vancouver Museum and Archives launched an initiative to capture some of their stories. The end result was an exhibit entitled, “Sharing Our Stories, an exhibit at the North Vancouver Museum and Archives,” which featured the oral histories and objects of 12 Iranians living on the North Shore. Those stories can still be heard online at monova.ca/archives. Following on the success of that
The Shipyards Welcomes The award-winning Shipyards welcomes MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, opening December 4th from 11am to 5pm. Stroll through The Shipyards and take in the history with our new interpretive signs, provided in partnership with MONOVA. We are proud to share that The Shipyards received international recognition and top honours from the Waterfront Centre for Excellence on the Waterfront. For more info visit cnv.org/TheShipyards
#TheShipyardsCNV
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Iranian community stories
highlighting the North Shore’s multicultural makeup project and to help create better connections, this year MONOVA launched the “Our Stories: Iranian Community on the North Shore” campaign. “In terms of the museum opening, we wanted to embed the Iranian community within that,” says Andisheh. “And, we want to continue to highlight the experiences of the Iranian community.” Which is why Andisheh and AR are hoping to connect with more members of the Iranian community on the North Shore. Andisheh hopes the Iranian community and all cultural groups of North Vancouver will be drawn to MONOVA. “Given the new media used and the location, which is really at the heart of a lot of that community, and its proximity to The Shipyards, I think
it will be popular,” says Andisheh. “I want them to go to the museum and see the Iranian community featured in the new Permanent Gallery exhibit. As for activities dedicated to the Iranian community in the museum's first months of operation, Andisheh notes plans are still underway, but just some of the events being discussed include music and calligraphy demonstrations. Both Andisheh and AR hope the buzz around the opening of MONOVA will draw more attention to the “Our Stories: Iranian Community on the North Shore” project and encourage more community members to reach out and get involved. “We’re really committed to highlighting and sharing stories about the Iranian community on the North
Shore that go beyond the typical stories you might find in a traditional museum,” says Andisheh. Have a story idea, old photographs or historic artefacts you’d like to share? Andisheh Fard and AR Rezamand would love to hear from you. You can reach them by phone at 604-990-3700 (ext. 8007) or at info@monova.ca to share your thoughts. Your ideas and stories will help inform future programming and exhibits at MONOVA. By Sandra Thomas
Iranian community engagement facilitator Andisheh Fard at MONOVA, June 2021 | ALISON BOULIER
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MLA Susie Chant, North Vancouver Seymour, congratulates MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver. Well done in achieving this next step in preserving North Vancouver’s heritage. This is spectacular!
MLA North Vancouver-Seymour susiechantnvs.ca susie.chant.mla@leg.bc.ca 604-983-9859
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Thanks To Our Donors and Supporters
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ONOVA is extremely grateful for the generous support of these donors and supporters, who have helped to bring North Vancouver’s stories to life, expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS City of North Vancouver District of North Vancouver British Columbia Arts Council Government of British Columbia Government of Canada FOUNDING BENEFACTOR $500,000+ Anonymous MUSEUM VISIONARY $250,000+ BMO Financial Group MOUNTAIN MOVER $100,000+ Anonymous Canadian National Railway Company Vancouver Fraser Port Authority TRAILBLAZER $50,000+ Anonymous gift in memory of the Charles Henry Cates family The Babalos Family BlueShore Financial PARC Retirement Living
HISTORY MAKER $10,000+ AMES Family Foundation Anonymous Deux Mille Foundation Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation G3 Terminal Vancouver Doug and Margaret Hatlelid Kitty Heller Memorial Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation Neptune Terminals Polygon Homes Ltd. Donald and Jeanne Reid COMMUNITY BUILDER $1,000+ Anonymous Gavin Bamber Pam Bookham Roger Brain Max Bruce Martin Davies Decoda Literacy Solutions Dee Dhaliwal Victor and Colleen Elderton John and Susan Gilmour Isabel Gordon William Heese Terry Hood Herbert Jenkin
Congrats to
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver We’re excited that the past has a bright future at the new Museum of North Vancouver. Your original and interactive storytelling about North Vancouver will inspire, engage and educate our community and future generations. MONOVA, a shared partner agency of the District and City of North Vancouver, also operates the Archives of North Vancouver, located at 3203 Institute Rd in Lynn Valley.
Nancy Kirkpatrick John Lakes Lakes, Whyte LLP Laurel Lawry Lohn Foundation Lynda and Larry Lazzari Martin Marine Terry McAlduff Dean McDonald Jason Milne Mosaic Avenue Developments Ltd. North Shore Community Foundation Judy Oberlander and Mark Wexler Lane Oseen Donna Oseen Sanford Osler Wilson Parasiuk Matti Polychronis George Radke Doug and Lynn Sabourin the late Margaret Sankey Andrew Saxton Jr. Yvonne Schmidt Robert and Alison Watt Wesley Wenhardt Yosef Wosk Family Foundation Yosef Wosk Libraries, Museum and
Archives Fund MUSEUM SUPPORTER $500+ Anonymous Elizabeth Bradwell Catharine Downes the late Don Evans Ivor and Maureen Frederiksen James Fox Lee Grills Gary and Margaret Herman David Perfitt Shirley Sutherland Morag Wehrle Includes consecutive, multi-year and cumulative gifts from 2018 Commissioners Jonathan Ehling James Fox Councillor Don Bell Ginette Handfield Dee Dhaliwal – Chair (June 2021) Justin Beveridge Derek Hamill Jason Milne – Vice-Chair (June 2021) Sandra White CONTINUED ON PAGE B17
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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Friends Society instrumental in MONOVA’s success
Join us by donating to support programs and exhibits that will bring the museum to life
T
he Friends of the North Vancouver Museum and Archives Society (Friends Society) has been instrumental in taking MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver from a decades-long vision to reality. It took the work of a small army of staff, volunteers, donors, and dedicated board members to finally see the doors of the new museum open to the public. The advocacy and fundraising efforts of the Friends Society were a vital part of those efforts. The Society is a charity and membership organization dedicated
to developing awareness of the history of North Vancouver by supporting and raising funds for MONOVA. “As the only history museum on the North Shore, MONOVA’s role in the community as a vibrant and welcoming community hub is strengthened by the Friends Society’s members and donors," noted John Gilmour, President of the Friends Society. "North Vancouver has a rich and diverse history with many voices, stories and perspectives. Museums and Archives help us value and understand the places where we live, work and
visit. They help us connect and form a sense of identity which is a foundation for future generations." Which is why the society supports MONOVA’s efforts to transform the way people experience North Vancouver’s stories through innovative programming, including the authentic sharing of Indigenous knowledge and First Peoples Principles of Learning, interactive exhibits and community outreach. How to support MONOVA and get involved
Anyone can show their support by
Thanks CONTINUED FROM PAGE B16 Councillor Jordan Back Victor Elderton Wesley Wenhardt - Director Laurel Lawry - Commission Secretary
Elderton (Friends Appointee), Gregory Holmes, Terry Hood, Shirin Ismail, John Lakes , Robert McCormack, Mina Mashhour, Jennifer Pantel
Friend of the North Vancouver Museum Archives Society Director Board of Directors John Gilmour (President), Terry McAlduff (Vice President), Kenneth Izatt (Membership Director), Joan Fleischer ( Secretary), Delane Knight (Treasurer), Donna Oseen (Volunteer Director), Victor
Friends Society Directors gather together at the new Museum of North Vancouver. Back row, from left: Terry Hood, John Lakes, John Gilmour, Latash Maurice Nahanee, Museum Director Wesley Wenhardt, Ken Izatt. Front row, from left: Former Director Nancy Kirkpatrick, Robert McCormack, Joan Fleischer, Mina Mashhour, Donna Oseen and Terry McAlduff.
Congrats!
Congratulations to the opening of MONOVA in the Shipyards District. This will be a new space to highlight and feature innovative exhibits, while amplifying the rich history of North Vancouver!
LONSDALEQUAY.COM @lonsdalequay
purchasing a Friends Leadership Circle Membership. Members enjoy a full range of benefits including an annual Museum pass and partial tax receipt. • To purchase a membership or make a donation, please visit monova.ca/ friends • Or make cheques payable to Friends of the NVMA Society and mail to: 3203 Institute Road, North Vancouver, BC V7K 3E5 Learn more and get involved at monova.ca/friends
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MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
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Public programming at MONOVA offers culture for all
Programming at the new Museum of North Vancouver is rooted in the community
V
Families will encounter costumed actor-interpreters who bring exhibits to life through short, immersive and interactive appearances by sharing personalized, moving and sometimes humorous stories. | ALISON BOULIER
isitors to MONOVA: The Museum of North Vancouver will enjoy storytelling, science shows, theatre performances, Indigenous demonstrations, dedicated kids’ areas, and thought-provoking speakers — all firmly rooted in the community. It’s a far cry from my first encounter with a museum, which, as a young girl living in Scotland on a family outing, was actually pretty intimidating! We’d never been before so wore our Sunday best. Even my parents were nervous as we climbed the steps of the grand, red-bricked Victorian “Palace.” Of course, inside I was amazed. It was a place full of wonder and curiosities, but I never felt
Congratulations to
MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver on capturing the history and stories of North Vancouver and inspiring us to learn from our past.
KARIN KIRKPATRICK
MLA | WEST VANCOUVER-CAPILANO 604-981-0050 Karin.Kirkpatrick.MLA@leg.bc.ca
entirely welcome there. Museums have come a long way since then. Over the years, museums have shifted from temple-like institutions to community hubs where visitors can socialize, share ideas and have fun together — public programs are at the heart of this change. Visitors now expect to be actively engaged and encounter more than traditional labels. Yes, they want to learn something new, but they also want to experience something real, have fun and explore exhibits in different ways. When COVID-19 arrived, it presented big challenges for museums. Before the pandemic, visitors attended late night parties, music events, sleepovers and even escape room-style experiences at many museums. But, as we discovered, COVID also presented new opportunities. Museums have pivoted online and now attract viewers from across the globe. At MONOVA, we embraced the challenge and it’s been exciting to see our virtual audience grow.
We now have a virtual speaker program, online events, online storytelling, and lots of engaging content on our website. We’re sharing the stories of North Vancouver with more people in more locations than we could have ever imagined. With the opening of the Museum of North Vancouver, we're ambitious about our in-person programs too. We've thought carefully about creating activities and events that are engaging, dynamic and fun, while still ensuring the safety of our visitors and staff. North Vancouver is an amazing, unique place with a fascinating history, rich cultures, incredible environment and a history of innovation. We are also grateful for our partnerships with the Skwxwú7mesh and Səlílwətal Nations, sharing Indigenous culture and knowledge with our virtual visitors and we look forward to building on this with in-person programs and events. We promise there’ll be something for everyone at MONOVA. To find out what’s in store, be sure to visit monova.ca/events By Pamela Roberts
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Plan your visit
Here’s what you need to know about visiting MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver Know before you go • On 4 December 2021, MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver (115 West Esplanade) will open in The Shipyards on a limited “preview” basis. • The Museum will be open 4 days a week (Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm) during the winter months. An opening celebration and the debut of “You Are Here @ The Shipyards” in our Feature Exhibit Gallery will follow in early 2022. • MONOVA is easily accessible by bike, public transit and the Seabus, and car parking is available in various locations throughout The Shipyards. • The Museum is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair accessible washrooms and baby changing facilities. Assistance dogs are welcome. • To plan your visit, check out monova.ca/visit Admission • Adult (18-64): $14.00 • Senior (age 65+): $12.00 • Youth 6 to 17 & Students: $10.00 • Child 5 and under: Free • Family (2 adults/seniors and up to 3 youth): $38.00 MONOVA Annual Passes An annual pass is an affordable way to help support MONOVA financially while visiting the Museum at
your leisure. • Adult (18-64): $35.00 • Senior (age 65+): $30.00 • Family (2 adults/Seniors; 3 youth) $75.00 Annual Pass Benefits • Unlimited general admission to MONOVA for one year • Special member rates to select program, events, and archives services • Invitation to exclusive exhibition preview events • Accompanied guests receive $2 off general admission • Discounts in the Museum store • Subscription to MONOVA e-news • A membership is the same cost as 2.5 visits 5 Things to Buy in the MONOVA Gift Shop 1. Branded MONOVA Merchandise For the opening, MONOVA will offer branded merchandise including water bottles, coffee mugs, notebooks, and t-shirts. 2. Sterling Silver Jewellery by local artist Branwen Kemp Handcrafted from beginning to end, Branwen Kemp uses traditional techniques to create one of a kind pieces that tell the story of the wearer. Branwen works
with ethically sourced and often recycled sterling silver, 10k gold and semi-precious stones. 3. 3D Streetcar Puzzle Fun for all ages DIY Kit. Assemble and paint your own wooden 3D puzzle, no additional tools or glue needed. Includes safe and non-toxic natural wood puzzle pieces. 4. Bentwood Box by Spiritworks Unique to Northwest Coast Indigenous cultures, bentwood boxes have been used for both symbolic and everyday functions. These red cedar boxes are designed and made on the North Shore by Shíshálh artist and entrepreneur Shain Jackson. A single piece of West Coast cedar is used to construct the body of the box. 5. Expedition to Mystery Mountain: Adventures of a Bushwhacking, Knickerbocker-wearing Woman by Susanna Oreskovic With her debut book, Susanna Oreskovic shares her experiences as part of a team of explorers attempting to climb Mount Waddington, the highest peak in B.C., using the same gear and methods that trailblazing couple Don and Phyllis Munday used at the turn of the century.
MONOVA aluminum water bottle | ALISON BOULIER
Bentwood Box by Spiritworks
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MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
The Polygon welcomes MONOVA to the Lower Mainland’s newest arts district.
Enjoy complimentary admission to The Polygon Gallery after your MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver visit. Valid until January 31.
Download your complimentary pass
Photo by Akeem Nermo
@polygongallery thepolygon.ca
The Polygon Gallery 101 Carrie Cates Court North Vancouver Unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations.