Audio Tour of the Museum's Displays
(Click 'Play Button' for audio interpretation of each station)
(Click on individual photos for larger image)
Entrance
As you come through the doors, you notice photos of ancient petroglyphs. Such evidence reflects the long occupation of the land by indigenous people who called the area Citxus Peqelkyn: "House of the Bald Eagle".
By the door, a large safe which belonged to John Moore Robinson who was the founder of Naramata in 1907. He traveled to British Columbia in 1897 where he saw first hand how fruit thrived in this ideal climate and decided that wealth might be found in land development for 'fruit ranching'.
After land development successes at Peachland and Summerland, JM, as he liked to be called, purchased 3000 acres from cattle baron Tom Ellis and created East Summerland, the community that would soon become Naramata.
A mural on the side of the museum replicates a notice for a regatta that he sponsored and on display pedestals are the trophies that were awarded to the champions. As you look up above the doorway, you notice an incongruous artifact: a WW1 German machine gun complete with a bullet hole through the water jacket. This, and another like it located at the Penticton Museum, were given to JM for his financial support of Canada's war effort. Robinson died in 1934 and is buried in Naramata.
By the door, a large safe which belonged to John Moore Robinson who was the founder of Naramata in 1907. He traveled to British Columbia in 1897 where he saw first hand how fruit thrived in this ideal climate and decided that wealth might be found in land development for 'fruit ranching'.
After land development successes at Peachland and Summerland, JM, as he liked to be called, purchased 3000 acres from cattle baron Tom Ellis and created East Summerland, the community that would soon become Naramata.
A mural on the side of the museum replicates a notice for a regatta that he sponsored and on display pedestals are the trophies that were awarded to the champions. As you look up above the doorway, you notice an incongruous artifact: a WW1 German machine gun complete with a bullet hole through the water jacket. This, and another like it located at the Penticton Museum, were given to JM for his financial support of Canada's war effort. Robinson died in 1934 and is buried in Naramata.
The Orchard
The orchard display offers a look at the few tools in the orchardists' collection. The visitor is challenged to reflect on what traveling to Naramata and starting a new venture as a fruit rancher while living in a tent house might have been like. You will notice how modest was the toolkit of the budding orchardist. Imagine yourself back in 1907. You have arrived in Naramata, stayed at the California Mission style hotel, now the Naramata Inn, where J M extolled the benefits of a life as an orchardist. Eventually, you obtain property and prepare it for planting. You may have had the help of the "Happyland Boys" who were young English men looking for work. You may also have had a horse to help with the heavy work like stump pulling. Horse and equipment would require the expertise of the blacksmith to keep both in good repair. That's our next display
Blacksmith
In an era when the settler had to be self-reliant, the Bud Gawne display offers a look at the equipment that the local blacksmith would have to help the orchardist work the farm. Tools for working iron, wood and leather are pre-eminent in this display and the sounds evoke the ambience of the blacksmith shop. Bud Gawne was a popular man in Naramata and brought out his horse and buggy for special occasions.
Naramata Museum Photo
2015.001.638
Hudson's Bay Company
Prior to the flood of settlers that took came to BC between 1898 and 1914, the movement of commerce was dominated by the Hudson's Bay Company. Although in some locations the terrain was too difficult for wheeled travel, in the Similkameen Valley, primitive wagons that were built on location were used. The Naramata Museum holds part of one such wagon.
Naramata Museum Photo
Home and Hearth
In an epoch where kitchen work was labourious and fabrics did not come in a wrinkle-free option, the home display provides the visitor with a look at the pioneer home-maker's work space.
Naramata Museum Photo
Village Life
Other parts of the museum are devoted to displaying artifacts that reflect life in Naramata. Emphasis has been placed on the school, the church and the community's contribution to Canada's war efforts. Perhaps because Naramata is an agricultural community, spring is a special time and our May Day celebration has always been a big event. In 2023, that event marked its 100th anniversary. Look for examples throughout the museum of its main components: May Day Queen and Princesses; Soap Box cart racing and dancing around the Maypole.
Centennial Quilt
The Naramata Museum has over 900 photos in its collection. Visitors can browse through them by means of the interactive touch screen in the museum. Some of these are offered for sale in a variety of sizes and formats. Special orders can also be discussed. Featured prominently behind the volunteers' area is our Centennial Quilt.
Naramata Museum Photo