Viewing Object

In 1958, the province of British Columbia celebrated its Centennial. 1858 was the year Governor James Douglas declared the mainland of British Columbia a British colony. This declaration was made at Fort Langley. Langley was therefore at the centre of the 100th anniversary celebrations in 1958. The Fort Langley National Historic Site was reconstructed by the federal government and officially opened in July by Princess Margaret. The Langley Centennial Museum was opened across the street and people in Langley participated in a wide range of commemorative events ranging from beard growing contests to pageants.
Term Source: Sears List of Subject Headings (16th. Ed.)

The Museum is located within a designated Heritage Conservation Area in the village of Fort Langley, Township of Langley. Community collecting began in the 1920's with a Native Sons of BC exhibit located in the last remaining Hudson's Bay Company fur trade era structure (circa 1840). A decision by the Canadian Parks Services to actively interpret Fort Langley prompted the provincial and municipal governments to cooperate in the construction of a new museum adjacent to the National Historic Site.

The Township-owned museum opened July 1, 1958 and housed a majority of the Native Sons collection. It was operated by volunteers until 1974 when it was selected by the Federal government as a site for one of 22 National Exhibition Centres across Canada. The physical plant doubled in size, its mandate was extended to include art, history and science traveling exhibitions and the first staff person was hired. Federal NEC operating funding was eliminated in 1994 but the museum has continued to respond to that expanded mandate. In 1991, the Museum became the core facility of the Community and Heritage Services Department, Planning, Development and Stewardship Division, Township of Langley.
Term Source: BCAUL

On July 1, 1958, the Langley Centennial Museum was officially opened by Mr. C. J. Wallace, chairman of the BC Centennial Committee. During the ceremonies, old and new guards of the Royal Engineers flanked the entrance, joined by ladies in pioneer costumes. Members of the Fraser Brigade also made up close to 1000 people in attendance. Two plaques were unveiled, one commemorating the museum as a centennial project and a second in memory of the first Christian missionaries in the area. Two totem poles were presented by the Native Sons McMillan Post No. 9. Dick Corliss who played the role of Simon Fraser in a re-enactment, presented the museum with a box of polished stone from Yale. The Douglas District Women's Institute presented 21 historic figurines.