Brown Bag History
Learn about Revelstoke's History
Please note: Until further notice, all talks will be presented on Facebook Live, and added to the museum’s YouTube channel. Join us every other Wednesday for a talk on local history from 12:15 to 1:00 pm. Bring your bag lunch if you wish. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided. $8 per person. Punch cards are available for $60 for 11 programs ($5.45 per program) or $35 for 5 programs ($7 per program).
Brown Bag History Schedule Fall 2020
September 9: From Farwell to Revelstoke
September 23: Williamson’s Lake
October 7: Aviation
October 21: Down the Columbia – an epic voyage
November 4: Driving of the Last Spike – 135 Years
November 18: Automobiles
December 2: The Selkirk Range
December 16: Pioneer Stories
More about the upcoming talks:
Please note: Until further notice, all talks will be presented on Facebook Live, and added to the museum’s YouTube channel. See link below.
From Farwell to Revelstoke: In 1885, the townsite of Farwell was a booming railway construction town near the riverbank. By the next year, the name had been changed to Revelstoke, and the town was split into two. Find out more about how the Farwell land dispute shaped the development of the community.
Williamson’s Lake: Our local swimming hole has been in use by the local since the 1890s, when A. Williamson built a farm near the lake. In 1930, the Rotary Club took it on as their community project, and made major improvements.
Aviation: The first aircraft to land in Revelstoke touched down 100 years ago. Find out more about that amazing flight and other aviation stories.
Down the Columbia: In 1920, Lewis Freeman travelled the length of the Columbia River with a cameraman, intending to make a feature film about the trip. Freeman also published a book about his adventure, which includes a detailed account of their trip around the Big Bend of the river.
Driving of the Last Spike – 135 Years: On November 7, 1885 the Last Spike was driven at Craigellachie, completing the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Learn more about this amazing construction project, and some of the incredible people involved.
Automobiles: The first automobile was brought to Revelstoke by rail in 1907, and by 1920 there was an active automobile club in town. Find out more about some of the early autos in town, as well as roads and gas stations.
The Selkirk Range: A.O. Wheeler did an extensive survey of the Selkirk Range for the government of Canada and in 1905, published “The Selkirk Range,” which could be the most interesting government report ever written. Hear more about Wheeler’s remarkable achievement in recording the history and geography of this amazing region.
Pioneer Stories: Revelstoke has always boasted some remarkable characters. Learn more about a few of the people who made Revelstoke the community that it is today.
WATCH ONLINE:
All of our Brown Bag History presentations since October 2019 are available for viewing on our Facebook Page, and our YouTube channel.