Okanagan Historical Society

Founded in 1948, the Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society plays an integral role in the preservation and promotion of our history and from Oyama to Peachland. There is a $20.00 annual branch membership fee.

There are many activities and projects that help the Kelowna Branch fulfill its mandate:

• Twice-a-year newsletter, informing members of the Branch's activities
• Annual General meeting, usually held in March or April, featuring a guest speaker
• Kelowna Branch and Buckland Family bursaries, awarded to two local graduating high school students
• Production of a calendar showcasing historical area photographs and various aspects of local history
• Weekly local history articles (more than 1,150 articles to date) in The Daily Courier

Family event at Father Pandosy Mission, August 2014. Courtesy Lois Marshall

Fall luncheon at Missionwood, October 2016. Courtesy Lois Marshall

• Annual family picnic at Benvoulin Heritage Church
• Assisting and supporting the operations of the historic Father Pandosy Mission site, including participation in the annual Antique Tractor Show held at the Mission site
• Fall luncheon and guest speaker
• Pre-Christmas book and calendar sale at Rona
• Researching and placing informative signage in Kelowna's Pioneer Cemetery
• Submitting articles and obituaries to the Okanagan Historical Society Report
• Collaborating with like-minded organizations such as the Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS), Kelowna & District Genealogical Society (KDGS), Kelowna Museums, and Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery on various history and heritage-based projects
• Community outreach through Pioneer Cemetery tours, Pandosy Mission tours, radio "spots" and participation in BC Heritage Week events

Kelowna Branch Pioneer Picnic, July 2014. Courtesy Lois Marshall

Pioneer Picnic, July 2014, celebrating Rutland pioneers. Courtesy Lois Marshall