SUMMERLAND MUSEUM’S
GEOLOGICAL BUS TOURS
      July 19th and August 23rd at 10:00 AM,  2014.     It takes approximately 3 hours and will tour all over Summerland to see the strata revealed by the making of the highway, the formation of the Silt Cliffs, how Okanagan Lake was formed and some great examples of lava flows from the extinct volcano and striations, or ice scratch troughs, left from the last glacier passing through here.
It also includes a short 5 minute easy hike up the base of the west side of Giant’s Head Mountain on Shale Avenue. We will also be driving to the parking lot at the top of Giant’s Head Mountain and then taking a 10 minute easy hike to the summit to enjoy the gorgeous panoramic view and geological explanation of the valley.  Geologist Dr. Kathleen Jagger brings with her a vast knowledge of local geology and a fun, hands-on learning environment.
Cost is $15.  Pre-registration and payment at the Museum is required (Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 4).
 For more info call 494-9395.

Rain or shine…. Meet inside the Museum at 9:45 and then at 10:00 a.m. everyone will hop on the bus. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and be prepared for every kind of weather and possibly bugs too.  Bring a snack to enjoy at the top of the mountain.  Bottled water will be provided.

NOTE: Anyone not wanting to make the trip to the top of Giant’s Head will be dropped off at the Museum on our way up. 

The Okanagan Historical Society 77th Annual Report is now available at the Summerland Museum. 

The 2013 report includes many items with a Summerland Connection including: Duncan Woods, Summerland Ornamental Gardens, Blewett Gardens, Pacific Agri-food Research Station, an expanded section on the First Nations, Okanagan-Similkameen Parks Society, South Okanagan Naturalists Club and much more. 

Buy a book for just $25.00 and you get a free one- year membership to the Okanagan Historical Society. 

Museum Hours: Oct. to May - Wed. to Sat. 1pm - 4pm & June to Sept.- Tues to Sat. 10am to 4pm.

THE MUSEUM ALSO HAS AN ORIGINAL COPY OF EVERY REPORT PUBLISHED SINCE 1926 TO DATE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC  IN THEIR RESEARCH LIBRARY.  THERE IS ALSO A GREAT SELECTION OF PREVIOUS YEARS AVAILABLE FOR SALE. Previous years new for $10 and previous years used $5.00. 

Sherril Foster's latest book is a biography about an early and very talented photographer, Mary Spencer. She was a Summerland resident and a very successful photographer in an era when women were certainly not encouraged to enter the business world.  Available at the Summerland Museum.

 

 SUMMERLAND MUSEUM'S NEW EXHIBIT EXPLORES
 THE HISTORY OF THE FIRST JAPANESE COMMUNITY IN SUMMERLAND. 

To celebrate Asian Heritage Month in May, the Summerland Museum opened their new exhibit  Doe Shi Kai  “Coming to the New World with Great Hopes”.  

The exhibit tells the story of the first Japanese community in Summerland from its immigrants, its difficulties and successes while maintaining the community’s identity and eventual integration into a predominantly caucasian settlement.  It presents the Japanese community’s own history through family photographs and interviews, as well as individual forms of expression (e.g. carving, haiku, calligraphy, dancing, etc.).  

In the early years Summerland had a large Japanese Canadian population.  They made many contributions towards the growth, development and cultural diversity of the town.  Most of the second generation following the Second World War left Summerland  to continue their education and careers elsewhere.  The present Japanese Canadian population of Summerland is reduced.  This display in the Tait Room celebrating the Asian influence of our town’s history is important to honour the older generation, obtain their stories and celebrate their culture.  
 
The local Japanese community has been very generous in loaning and/or donating their personal treasures to the Museum for the exhibition and donating their time and expertise to ensure that it is properly presented.  

The Museum is open in May, Wednesday to Saturday, 1pm to 4pm and from June to October, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 

(email: info@summerlandmuseum.org  or phone 250-494-9395  for more information)