Mackenzie & District Museum
Visitors and residents alike are invited to explore the past and present history of the valley from Sifton Pass to Summit Lake. The Mackenzie & District Museum tells the stories of the people who have left their mark on this land, including its original inhabitants from local First Nations tribes, to trappers, prospector, settlers and those who worked in the industries that helped to build Mackenzie and the surrounding region. Guests can browse displays, see videos documenting local history and view historical maps, portraits and photos of the past. Guests can access the reference library for more information about the region. Guided tours are available for individuals, families or groups. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop for a souvenir of your visit, where you’ll find a variety of books, pictures and other items.
The Mackenzie & District Museum is a member of the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George – Golden Raven Experience, the BC Museums Association and the BC History Federation.
Meet Mackenzie & District Museum Society & Curator Jim Wiens
Meet Mackenzie & District Museum Society & Curator Jim Wiens
The Mackenzie & District Museum was founded in 1991 by the Mackenzie & District Museum Society. The society is comprised of members from within the community and is governed by a board of directors made up of volunteers. The museum and its activities are driven entirely by people who simply love this community and have a passion for collecting, displaying and preserving its historical items and telling the stories that relate to them.
Jim Wiens is the museum's sole paid employee. His main job is to curate and catalog items. However, as the main person on site on a day to day basis, Jim is around to answer questions, give museum tours and talk history with museum guests. It is a job that he relishes. "I love history and story telling." he says. He also enjoys meeting people with different backgrounds and ideas. His job puts him into regular contact with visitors to Mackenzie and he appreciates being able to represent the region through the sharing of its stories of the past.
Outside of the time that he spends at the museum each week, Jim also sits on the town council and works as a volunteer firefighter. Jim has deep ties to the community and he sees great potential for small business to thrive here. The community already has much to offer in the way of recreation and the outdoors. "It is quiet and peaceful," he says, noting that people who come here do so because they really want to be here and make an investment in the community. All of these things, plus the wonderful, friendly people who call it home make it a great place to live and work.
Mackenzie, BC V0J 2C0
Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
