The Archives Research Centre holds a wealth of information relating to the ethnography, settlement and industrial history of the northern Vancouver Island area.
Collections include:
Tom Barnett (1909-2003), whose career as Member of Parliament spanned two decades and four prime ministers.
- an extensive photograph collection
- manuscript files
- aural histories
- a reference library
The Archives Research Centre is open Tuesday through Friday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Appointments are suggested for research in the Archives.
Search our archives holdings online at the Archives Association of BC Union List
Visit our sportsfishing collection online.
Images from our historical photograph collection may be found at Moment in Time
Long-time MP Tom Barnett gave a lasting legacy to Archives...
When Tom and Ruth Barnett moved from their home of 26 years to a seniors apartment, they faced the painstaking task of sorting through a lifetime's accumulation of material. For Tom, who represented the Comox-Alberni region as a Member of Parliament almost continuously from 1953 until his retirement in 1974, it meant finding a home for his political records.
In an effort to determine the archival content of his papers, Tom contacted historian Richard Mackie. Mackie was soon to discover the papers provided a wealth of information encompassing an important period of growth and development for this region. He then began to work with Tom to determine the best "home" for this important collection.
In 1997, museum staff were pleased to receive this significant collection which greatly enhances our archival holdings. Compiling a finding aid for ease of access, archives staff and volunteers found that Tom's excellent filing system substantially helped with the exacting task.
The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support and contributions of both Tom and Ruth Barnett to the Museum and the community.
