Beloved 165-year-old B.C. heritage house closing to public this month
Time is running out to visit one of B.C.’s popular public heritage sites, as the Point Ellice House on Vancouver Island is set to close this month.
The Government of BC announced this week that the public heritage destination located in Victoria’s Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood is ceasing operations as a public heritage destination.
Members of the public have until Friday, Aug. 21, to visit the Point Ellice House, one of the provincial capital’s oldest residences.
Point Ellice House
“The house was built between 1861 and 1862 for Charles Wentworth and his wife, Catherrine, daughter of John Work, who was chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company,” said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport in a release.
“It was expanded by the O’Reilly family, who lived in the house until 1975.”
The Point Ellice House was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1966, and became a provincial heritage site nine years later. It is currently managed by Métis Nation British Columbia.
Point Ellice House
Visitors to the Point Ellice House Museum learn about the histories of the region and the Indigenous communities, Métis people, and non-Indigenous settlers who helped shape it.
The site operates seasonally starting in mid-May, with free access to the house’s garden and gift shop. There are also educational and artistic events throughout the year.
“Highly recommended and well worth the visit. Don’t let the location fool you; this museum is an oasis for history lovers,” said one review posted online.
“The house and gardens are a must-see,” added another. “The exhibitions are beautifully put together and reveal stories about Victoria’s history that wouldn’t otherwise be known.”
Self-guided and guided tours of the house are also available to travellers until its last day on Aug. 21.
Point Ellice House
“Through a process of critical museology, Point Ellice House works to tell inclusive, balanced, and reconciliatory stories that recognize the legacies of colonialism while celebrating the resilience, strength, and beauty of Indigenous cultures and heritage,” said the museum online.
Less than a month later, the Government of BC will assume operational responsibility for Point Ellice House on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport stated that the move will help ensure that the site, as well as its heritage artifacts, are protected and preserved.
“The Province is reviewing options for reopening and will make an announcement once a decision has been reached.”