About the Museum

Creation and Mission

The idea of a museum for Osoyoos began in 1955. The Osoyoos Museum Society was formally established in 1963. The museum was first located on Main Street and since 1975 has been situated next to Gyro Park in the former curling rink -- including a clubhouse and Quonset hut -- which houses a collection of over 4,000 objects. Today, we are planning for the future and a new facility which will ultimately see the museum return to Main Street at a prominent location across from Town Hall.

TOsoyoos Museum 1963he Mission  of the Osoyoos Museum is to collect, preserve, research, document, interpret and  exhibit artifacts and archival records of historic significance to the  area.  In addition to its core mandate, the museum presents educational and outreach programs and provides a place for the community to gather and celebrate its history.

The Future Vision and New Facility

In June 2011, citizens in the Town of Osoyoos and Area "A" of the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen supported a referendum which approved the purchase of Future Home of the Osoyoos Museumproperty on Main Street for a new museum. The Osoyoos Museum Society has entered a new phase which will see the planning, fundraising and eventual development of a new facility with exciting, interactive and relevant exhbits, including many dynamic activities and programs. The museum will establish itself as a cultural focus and a major tourist attraction for Osoyoos and area. 

Governance

The Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives is operated by the Osoyoos Museum Society for the benefit of the citizens of Osoyoos, their guests and visitors.

The museum is a non-profit Society and registered charity governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a full-time curator and part-time assistant. Our dedicated volunteers provide valuable assistance to the overall operations of the museum.

Our Board of Directors reflect our community diversity with close connections to  the Osoyoos Indian Band, the Osoyoos and District Arts Council, the Okanagan  Historical Society, the Canadian Legion, and other organizations. The museum is a member of the BC Museums Association and Canadian Museums Association.