The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives is situated in a park-like setting in the heart of Vernon, surrounded by trees, plants and water features. To visit the museum is by donation.
HISTORY OF THE VERNON MUSEUM
The beginnings of the Vernon Museum can be traced back to three men, Charles Edward Haines, David Howrie Sr. and William Pound. Charles “Charlie” Haines was born in Norfolk, England in 1885. Haines moved to Canada in 1920 and settled in the Coldstream where he earned his living as an orchardist. Haines was trained as a cabinetmaker in England and he was also a skilled taxidermist. He had other interests as well. In his spare time, he would spend hours in the Mabel Lake area hunting for archeological and native artifacts. Over time, he amassed quite a collection.
From its humble beginnings, the Vernon Museum now occupies over 12,000 square feet of space and attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, the legacy left to us by William Pound, David Howrie and Charlie Haines are still clearly visible in the natural history corner of the museum where William Pound’s animal mounts are still on display in the cases built by Charlie Haines.
Source: Vernon Museum
The fountain is situated in a large pool, complete with lily pads and the sculpture "Kalamalka Reflections" is near the library.