The History of the Pemberton & District Museum & Archives Society
It all began in 1967, when the Pemberton Pioneer Women, a Pemberton Women’s Institute committee, initiated the collection of local life examples.
This marked the first step towards establishing a museum to house these artifacts and narrate the area’s early days. The year 1982 saw a pivotal moment when the Village of Pemberton generously offered a small downtown plot, leading to the birth of the Pemberton & District Museum & Archives Society (PDMAS), a testament to the community’s dedication and love for their history.
A Time for Growth
By 1992, the museum had outgrown its space, prompting BC Rail and the Village of Pemberton to offer a 1-acre lot at the corner of Prospect Street and Pemberton Meadows Road, where the museum stands today. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of Pemberton, and we are excited about its future possibilities.
A Charming Site Emerges
Nestled within our charming site are five heritage houses, each with its own story to tell: the Shantz house, initially built in 1894, the Barney House, the Sam Jim cabin, the nostalgic Purden’s General Store, and the newly restored John Arn Cabin, which was rebuilt on site in 2021. We are also home to a collection of more contemporary buildings: the Soo Building, built in 2001. Our administration, archives and display facility was built in 2013, a modern replica of the original Pemberton Station Schoolhouse unveiled in 2021, and a machine shed/garage built in 2017. The scene comprises several storage buildings, a public washroom building, and a series of freestanding shelters, each serving as a guardian to the cherished artifacts displayed throughout the site, a responsibility we take with the utmost respect and care.
Built with Community Support
In 2005, in response to significant community support in a tax requisition referendum, the PDMAS began receiving an annual requisition from the Squamish Lillooet Sea to Sky Regional District to cover operating expenses and allow for hiring an Executive Director / Curator. This support has enabled the Society to focus fundraising efforts on capital improvements and long-term planning to ensure the museum’s preservation, display, and development continue to evolve.
A Flourishing Legacy
Today, the museum is flourishing, supported by its community and endeared by residents and visitors worldwide. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of our shared heritage and the dedication of all who cherish and preserve it.
Buy the Book
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the history of Pemberton, we recommend ‘Pemberton: A History of a Settlement,’ written by Margaret Fougberg, Francis Decker, and Mary Ronayne in 1978. This insightful book is based on the records collected during their work compiling the museum’s archives.
