Golden Museum and Archives

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Golden Museum and Archives A Presence for Our Past!

Located just one block off of main street in Golden BC the Golden Museum and Archives features the history of the Canadian Pacific Railways historic Swiss Guides and their families. Take a walk back to the early days of the area when David Thompson a surveyor for the North West Company, arrived in the Columbia Valley to set up a trading post, where he could trade with the native people and continue mapping the surrounding area. Learn how 42 years later an expedition led by Palliser was sent out by the Imperial Government to locate a feasible route through the mountains to bring settlers into the province and how that journey led to the Kicking Horse River receiving its name. While meandering through the main gallery you will learn that until the CPR mainline construction crews came to the area no attempt had been made to settle in this often harsh environment and how Baptist Morigeau, born of a French voyageur and his native wife started a trading post that grew into the community that you see today.

This photo from the Golden Times in February 1988 shows Laverne “Granny” Sailes standing proudly beside her snowmachine ...
09/16/2026

This photo from the Golden Times in February 1988 shows Laverne “Granny” Sailes standing proudly beside her snowmachine — and it represents far more than a single day on the trails. It reflects the long tradition of Golden citizens coming together to support one another and build the things our town needed most.

During the Lions’ 11th Annual Snowarama, 37 competitors raised an impressive $7,326.25 for the Cripple Children’s Fund. And leading the charge was Granny Sailes herself, who had issued her challenge weeks earlier and brought in an incredible $3,903 in pledges. Last year’s champion, Dan Pecora, raised $1,002, with Bill Kingston at $500 and Joe Pacsay at $100. Even snowmobilers from Invermere joined the one‑day event, adding their support to the cause.

The Lady Lions kept everyone warm with chili and coffee, and the Leo Club tallied up the pledges — a perfect example of how every age group pitched in. Donations could be paid at E & L Auto Body or Golden Sales & Service, businesses that regularly stepped forward to help community projects succeed.

Events like Snowarama remind us of something Golden has always done well: working together. Long before grants and committees, it was neighbours and volunteers who built the public pool, the ski hill, the curling rink, and so many other gathering places. People donated time, labour, materials, and whatever skills they had. They held raffles, dances, bake sales, and benefit events — just like Snowarama — because they believed in this valley and in each other.

The area we know today as Gould’s Island sits right in the centre of Golden, tucked between the channels of the Kicking ...
09/15/2026

The area we know today as Gould’s Island sits right in the centre of Golden, tucked between the channels of the Kicking Horse River. For generations, the river has divided South Golden from North Golden, and this little island has quietly witnessed the town grow up around it.

The island takes its name from William John Gould, an early resident and photographer who owned the entire cluster of islands shown in the historic map. Together, those islands made up 20 acres, all part of Gould’s homestead. He lived on the land for a time and built a house there, raising his family in the middle of the river that shaped Golden’s early settlement.

Gould was a photographer by trade, following in the footsteps of his father. He ran his studio from the upper floor of the building that would later become Marrs Drug Store, capturing the people and landscapes of the Columbia Valley. After his second marriage, John and his wife Mary Gould welcomed six children, all born here in Golden.

Over the years, the landscape around Gould’s Island has changed. With the construction of the new bridge and the filling‑in of the old river channels, the once‑separate islands have become one single island. Even so, it remains a defining feature of Golden’s geography — a small but meaningful piece of land at the town’s centre, carrying the name of one of its early families.

Photo credit Golden Museum and Archives Gould's Island-1927.

Every year, when September 11 comes around, people in small towns across Canada do something simple but meaningful. At s...
09/12/2026

Every year, when September 11 comes around, people in small towns across Canada do something simple but meaningful. At some point in the day, we look at the date, say “9‑11,” and there’s a quiet pause. Even though the attacks didn’t happen here, and even though no one in our little valley was directly affected, we felt it. That’s what small towns do — we think about our neighbours.

On that day in 2001, Canadians watched in shock as the world changed. We felt the grief and fear right alongside the United States. And in the days that followed, Canadians responded the way we always do: with kindness, steadiness, and a willingness to help.

Twenty‑five years later, we still remember the lives lost, the families changed forever, and the first responders whose courage continues to inspire. We remember how Canadians gathered in living rooms, classrooms, and community halls to grieve with people we had never met.

And we remember that even here, far from the headlines, the date “9‑11” still makes us pause — because compassion doesn’t stop at borders.

NormanB, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Things are getting set up for the Museum Fall Faire!! Bring your competition pieces in the morning between 9 and 10 am. ...
09/11/2026

Things are getting set up for the Museum Fall Faire!! Bring your competition pieces in the morning between 9 and 10 am. We will see everyone else from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm.

The Golden Museum is putting the finishing touches on the 2026 Golden Museum Fall Faire. Come on out and support local m...
09/11/2026

The Golden Museum is putting the finishing touches on the 2026 Golden Museum Fall Faire. Come on out and support local musicians, artists, farmers market vendors and Golden organizations!

In September 2001, the Golden Star reported that several local businesses and individuals were recognized in Kootenay Bu...
09/10/2026

In September 2001, the Golden Star reported that several local businesses and individuals were recognized in Kootenay Business Magazine’s Best of Business Awards. Among them was Aman Virk, a name many in Golden still remember with warmth and respect. Aman Virk received a gold award as the most popular city or town councillor.

Virk had a long history of public service in our community. He served twelve years as a town councillor, always with a steady presence and a genuine commitment to the people who call Golden home. In November 2008, he was elected Mayor of Golden, and according to local media, he was the first Indo‑Canadian (NRI) to hold the mayor’s office in British Columbia — a milestone that meant a great deal both locally and provincially.

Sadly, Aman Virk passed away on March 26, 2009, at just 39 years old, after suffering a sudden heart attack while visiting family in India. His time as mayor was brief, but his impact was not. He is remembered for his dedication, his kindness, and the way he helped shape Golden during years of growth and change.

According to Brisco & Spillimacheen – A History, Don and Alan Wolfenden purchased Beaverfoot Lodge in 1980 from Bobby Mi...
09/09/2026

According to Brisco & Spillimacheen – A History, Don and Alan Wolfenden purchased Beaverfoot Lodge in 1980 from Bobby Mitchell. The Wolfendens were already well‑known in the valley — ranchers, hunters, storytellers, and descendants of Archie and Olive Wolfenden, whose family roots stretch back to the early homesteading era.

In 1991, the brothers divided their holdings: Alan Wolfenden took over Birchfield Farm, Don and his wife Patsy became the full‑time stewards of Beaverfoot Lodge.
And steward it they did — for about forty years.

Under Don and Patsy’s care, Beaverfoot Lodge became more than a wilderness getaway. It became a gathering place — a home base for hunters, hikers, riders, and anyone seeking quiet in the mountains. Their chapter ended around 2018, but the spirit they shaped still lingers in the cabins, the wagons, and the river valley itself.

Are you ready for the Golden Museum Fall Faire on September 12th. Just a week away but still time to get your entries in...
09/05/2026

Are you ready for the Golden Museum Fall Faire on September 12th. Just a week away but still time to get your entries in.

As the leaves start turning and the valley settles into that cosy September feeling, the Golden Museum will be taking a ...
09/05/2026

As the leaves start turning and the valley settles into that cosy September feeling, the Golden Museum will be taking a short break in recognition of Labour Day.

We’ll be closed on Sunday, September 6th and Monday, September 7th, giving our staff and volunteers a chance to enjoy the long weekend with family, friends, and maybe a slice of pumpkin loaf or two.

The museum will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th, ready to welcome you back with all the stories, history, and autumn charm you expect from us.

Enjoy your weekend — we’ll see you soon!

This Day in HistoryOn September 3, 1962, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker officially opened the Trans‑Canada Highway, a p...
09/04/2026

This Day in History

On September 3, 1962, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker officially opened the Trans‑Canada Highway, a project that had taken more than a decade of work and stretched across some of the most challenging terrain in the country.

The ceremony took place at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, where representatives from all ten provinces gathered to celebrate the completion of a road that would link Canadians from coast to coast.

Although some sections would continue to be improved for years afterward, the opening marked a major moment in Canadian history — a “Second National Dream,” connecting communities, boosting trade, and making cross‑country travel possible in a way it had never been before.

For Golden and the Columbia Valley, the highway transformed everyday life. It meant faster access to goods, easier travel through the mountains, and a new era of tourism and connection.

Address

1302/11th Avenue South
Golden, BC
V0A1H0

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+12503445169

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