Quite an ambitious project for a town of less than 2,000 residents, the museum consists of the main "Ranger Station" building, a Trapper’s Cabin recreation, Country Store complete with living quarters, an outdoor shed housing antique farm equipment and a Livery Stable housing a portable steam engine, a 1925 threshing machine and a 1947 Farmall Cub tractor. Beside the livery stable is a motorized Adams road scraper.
Resting on an antique cabinet in the major display area of the Ranger Station building in the museum's guest book, the property of the Barriere and District Heritage Society. Above it is one of five panels containing a timeline of the history of Barriere and area beginning in 1850 with the construction of a Hudson's Bay trading post at Little Fort. In all, there's lots to see here for everyone. As well, the museum, operated by the Barriere and District Heritage Society, is the repository of the Town's archives, which include photographs, documents, maps and newspapers.
Admission to the museum is by donation.
North Thompson Museum
The North Thompson Museum is housed in a former BC Forest Service Ranger Station. In 1920, the first Forestry Office was located on the same property. In the early part of the 1900’s, this area was considered the center of Barriere. Artifacts and archival material depicting early history from McLure to Little Fort (Mount Olie) and surrounding areas can be found at the museum.
The Barriere and District Heritage Society was formed in 1984 with the mandate to preserve artifacts and record history of the North Thompson Valley from Little Fort (Mount Olie) to McLure and surrounding areas.
In 1987, an Expo Legacy Grant allowed the Society to purchase property with vacant BC Forest Service buildings constructed in 1948. The buildings had been occupied until the late 1970’s. The North Thompson Museum and Archives was established and continues to be managed by volunteers of the Barriere & District Heritage Society.
The Society relies on many public and private donations – along with BC Government Community Gaming Grants, these monies continue to sustain our public programs and operations. Over the years specific projects such as our Heritage Gardens, Tool Shed, Livery Stable and exterior painting restoration have been supported by various individuals and organizations.
The Museum grounds include a Trapper’s Cabin, outdoor shed for antique farm equipment, Livery Stable housing a steam-powered train engine and a Country Store display with living quarters attached. The latest addition of a Replica 1800’s School House will be opening in June 2018.
From the North Thompson Museum