GIVING TUESDAY

Support the Parksville Museum on Giving Tuesday

Did you know that the Parksville & District Historical Society is the sole caretaker of every heritage building on our grounds? That means many roofs to repair, creaking floors to preserve, and a collection of charming—but aging—structures that need year-round care.

One of these is the beloved Heritage Church, which has been the focus of our fundraising efforts throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed and shared your heartfelt stories about what this building means to you.

We also steward our beautiful gardens and grounds, which we hope to continue enhancing—for visitors and for the pollinators that make their home here.

None of this would be possible without the support of our community—and the more than 7,000 visitors we welcomed in 2025.

Community generosity is what allows us to keep museum entry 'by donation', ensuring local history remains accessible to everyone. Your support truly keeps community at the heart of what we do.

Over the coming year, we’re expanding our events and community programs, and donor support helps us build on this momentum. We have an exciting vision for 2026, and your contribution brings it to life. Every gift keeps local history alive — and every contribution counts.

This Giving Tuesday, we hope you will support the Parksville Museum!

Donations of $25 or more receive a tax receipt.

Join our Friends of the Museum Donor Program

Donations of $100 or more qualify supporters to have a name of their choosing displayed on our entry donor board for one year in recognition of their generosity.

This also makes a wonderful gift for the history buff who’s hard to buy for—a meaningful way to celebrate someone special while supporting local heritage.

Thank you for helping us protect and share Parksville’s history!

Have you seen our Gift Shop lately?

These items are now available year round in our Gift Shop.

We're proud to say all of these items were made right here on Vancouver Island!

Heritage Church

3D Ornament

$25

(assembly required!)

Parksville Museum

Community Cookbook $25

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our call earlier in 2025!

Keychains:

Parksville Museum Logo &

I heart Oliver Cougar

$8 ea

Parksville Museum

Hands-on History Happens Here

T-shirts

(logo & slogan on front + slogan on back top middle)

$35

Available in Medium & Large sizes.

Heritage Collection

Set of 8 2D Ornaments

$25

(assembly required!)

Tea Towels,

4 designs:

How to Cook a Husband
Doing Laundry Step by Step
Rules for Teachers
Morse Code

$25 each

These make GREAT gifts!

December Events & Activites!

Heritage Gift Gallery Continues…

Speaking of support—want to feel great and do good?

Shop for your gifts at our Heritage Gift Gallery! With work from 28 local artists, every purchase supports both the creators and the museum. It’s a true win-win-win: the art is fantastic, the museum benefits, and your gift recipient will be absolutely delighted.

The feedback on this shoppable exhibition has been wonderful so far—and artists are continuing to bring in new work throughout the show!

A Child's Christmas in Wales

Thank you! This show is fully SOLD OUT!

We're so grateful to the community and to Unleashed Heart Productions for bringing this wonderful classic to the Heritage Church!

Unleashed Heart Productions will return in March 2026 for their production of Mrs. Stern Wanders The Prussian State Library, by Jenny Lyn Bader.

Stay tuned for tickets and details in 2026.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTING DAY

(PART 1)

Friday December 12th

1-2pm: Clay Ornament Decorating

Create a one-of-a-kind clay ornament! Let your imagination run wild as you decorate your own ornament with glazes, brushes, and sponges—whether you go seasonal, or something you’ll love all year round. Once you’ve finished, leave your ornament with Museum staff for firing, then pick it up on December 21 during our Solstice Celebration (4–6 pm). $15 Per Person to cover material costs and kiln firing (paid day-of) Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration required.

2:30-4pm: Solstice Jar Lanterns (Drop in)

Create a lantern that reflects warmth, hope, and the return of the light—perfect for your Solstice celebrations or holiday décor! You’re welcome to take your lantern home right away, but we’d love to borrow it for our Solstice Celebration @ the Museum display (Dec 21, 4-6pm)—you can pick it up at the event or anytime afterward. $10 Per Person to cover material costs (paid day-of). Pre-registration required.

Pre-register for one or both by December 10th

(just reply to this email! or call 250-248-6966).

Caroling and Christmas Cheer!

Saturday, December 13, 6pm & 7pm

Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season with song, community, and festive fun in our cozy Heritage Church — guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!

Get your tickets to this festive fundraiser today! Tickets: $10 per person, choose from 6pm or 7pm sessions.

6pm Caroling Session

7pm Caroling Session

Here’s what’s happening:

🎶 Sing-Along Carols: Join Patricia Plumley for joyful Christmas favourites in the Heritage Church.
🎅 Photos with Santa: Stop by the McMillan House for a festive photo in front of the decorated fireplace mantle. Bring your camera!
🖍️ Kids’ Activities: Enjoy colouring and crafts in the Main Hall.
☕ Warm Treats: Sip hot cocoa and enjoy treats by donation.
🛍️ Heritage Gift Gallery will be open!

TRADITIONAL CRAFTING DAY

(PART 2)

Sunday December 14th

1-2pm: Wet Felting Demo with Maggie Winters

Learn a bit about the history of wet felting, try the technique yourself, and help create a collaborative felted vase. Everyone who attends will be entered into a draw to win the finished piece (available for pickup at a later date).

By donation at the demo (suggested $5 per person). Pre-registration required.

2:30-4pm: Solstice Jar Lanterns (Drop in)

$10 Per Person to cover material costs (paid day-of). Pre-registration required.

Pre-register for one or both by December 10th

(just reply to this email! or call 250-248-6966).

✨ Solstice Celebration at the Museum ✨

Sunday, December 21

4 pm to 6 pm

Admission by Donation (suggested $5 per person)

Join us for an afternoon of hands-on fun, learning, and light! This is our very first Solstice Celebration, and we’re so excited to share it with you. Several of our Heritage Gift Gallery artists will be onsite to guide the craft stations and spark your creativity.

In the Heritage Church — Moon Magic!

Step into a cozy moonlit world filled with a glowing moon projection, twinkling candlelight, gentle chimes, and soft, dreamy ambience.

Moon-Themed Stations:

Create Your Own Flip-Book Moon: Watch the moon’s phases come to life, one flip at a time.
Colouring Corner: Get creative with moon-inspired colouring fun.
Sensory Space: Listen to the sounds of nighttime critters.
Let-Go & Intention Jar: Write it down, tuck it in, and make a little moon-magic wish.

In the Main Hall — Sunshine Central!

A bright sun projection sets the scene for warm, cheerful, light-filled crafting.

Sun Stations:

Sun Wands: Make a colorful sun wand from wood and yarn—take it home and let it help bring back the longer days!
Orange Slice Garland or Angels: Bring holiday cheer to your home with a fragrant garland or a charming angel ornament!
Sun Catchers: Create a colourful window charm to brighten your home.

Out on the Grounds — for Fireside Fun

Cozy up by the mini firepit, roast a marshmallow, sip warm cider, and enjoy a sweet treat.

Write a little note of reflection or hope, wander among our glowing jar lanterns, and take home a tiny seed—a bright little symbol of growth and new beginnings for the year ahead.