Oliver and District Heritage Society

Board of Directors 2017/2018: Sue Morhun, Dave Janzen, Carolyn Bowering, Bruce Hamilton, Dave Mattes, Vance Potter, Rocky Lundy, Tim Riley, Terry Killough, and Cindy Pinske.

Executive members to be selected at first Board meeting of the new year.

The Oliver and District Heritage Society operates both the Museum and Archives facilities in the Town of Oliver. Incorporated August 6, 1980 as the Oliver Heritage Society, the name was changed in 1998 to the “Oliver and District Heritage Society” to reflect the support from the RDOS as well as the Town.

The Society is a not-for-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors. Our most recent Strategic Plan highlights our focus on improving all aspects of the Society.

Our collection area extends south to Osoyoos, west to Fairview and trading area, east to Camp McKinney and trading area, and north to White Lake and Okanagan Falls. We invite you to take part in your history, the history of your community, and its happenings of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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A photographic presentation about the construction and operation of the KVR rail line linking Penticton with Oliver and Osoyoos by noted historian and author, Joe Smuin, will be the highlight of the Oliver and District Heritage Society’s Annual Meeting.

His “then and now” show will be sure to intrigue rail officiandos and local history buffs alike because he has promised to include previously unpublished tidbits from the Andrew McCullough field diaries about the construction of the rail line at Oliver.

Smuin comes from a long line of KVR employees. His paternal grandfather, father, several uncles and cousins all worked for the railway in some capacity over the years. He began his own career in the old Roundhouse in Penticton in early 1971 working in the mechanical department. While most of his working career was spent at BC Rail, his fascination with the KVR didn’t diminish. He went on to research and write two books about the railway. Now retired, Joe continues to research and collect related archival material. He has engaging stories to share.
Things get underway at 7 p.m. at the Quails Nest Arts Centre on Wednesday April 26. Smuin’s presentation will be preceded by short business meeting. This is a great opportunity for the community to hear about exciting things happening in our local heritage program as well as gain new insight into the history of Oliver’s beloved and formally protected CPR Station.