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Mission Community Archives

Name: Mission Community Archives
Address: 33215 Second Avenue, Mission, BC, V2V4L1, CA
Telephone: +16048202621

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Mission Community Archives

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The Archives is housed in a custom-built 3000 square foot facility — the first of its kind in the Fraser Valley — which was opened in 1994.

Established on February 25, 1989 by the Mission District Historical Society, the Mission Community Archives houses vivid, first-hand accounts of Mission's history. Constructed by the District of Mission and leased by the Historical Society, the facility offers a spacious, secure, environmentally-controlled vault for records with a storage capacity in excess of 4,000 linear feet and optimal space to support the other operations of the archives, including records processing, reference services and public programming. The Archives serves local residents and the global community by acquiring, preserving, maintaining, documenting and making available for public research records of archival value to the District of Mission and the Fraser Valley Regional District Electoral Areas: Dewdney-Hatzic Island, Nicomen Island-Deroche, Lake Errock and McConnell Creek-Hatzic Prairie. By saving the community’s records, we ensure that Mission’s rich and unique heritage will be available to present and future generations.

10/13/2026

SPECIAL POST – October 12, 2026
Celebrate Women’s History Month

The Mission Community Archives in partnership with the Mission Community Foundation invites you to the annual Paths & Pathfinders Women of Mission Gala.

This year is extra special...We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Paths & Pathfinders Program. For 3 decades, our mission has been to document, preserve, and celebrate the lives of women right here in our community. This milestone gala is a tribute to those 30 years of history, the lives of 125 women honoured and to the next generation of women who will shape our future.

Join us to celebrate and honour three extraordinary women of our community: Janet Chalmers, a dedicated Rotarian who is a champion of efforts to fight food insecurity and a strong labour advocate; Ofelia Flores, a dedicated advocate empowering families of children with exceptional needs to navigate life's challenges and Helen McElroy, a passionate volunteer whose life-long work and outreach supports vulnerable community members.

The Gala is being held on Saturday, October 17th at All Saints Anglican Church Hall. Doors open at 1:00PM and the event starts at 1:30PM. Tickets are $20 plus https://me-l.co/xkmcla9q

10/12/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
McConnell Creek Farmers Institute Hall, 1982

On September 30th, 1949, the McConnell Creek Farmers Institute Hall officially opened its doors. It wasn't just a building—it was community endeavor. Local mills stepped up to donate lumber, and neighbours gathered for fundraising dances at the McConnell Creek School and Hatzic Prairie Hall to make it a reality.

Constructed on land donated by Victor Noel, this hall became the hub of the community. From recreational activities to educational meetings and social gatherings, it’s where memories were made.

Though a devastating fire in 2002 took the original structure pictured here in 1982 (showing its 1979 wing addition), the community spirit that built it never burned out. Today, the replacement hall continues that legacy.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

10/05/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Bird’s Eye View of Mission Downtown, 1974

Check out this extraordinary aerial photograph capturing Mission Downtown from a whole new perspective! The shot spans from Welton to Murray Streets and beyond (west to east) plus from Railway to Fourth Avenue (south to north).

It is incredible to see how much the downtown skyline has changed. Many landmarks are still standing, including the Post Office and Welton Towers.

But take a closer look at Second Avenue—so much has disappeared over the years! Can you see where these used to be?
• The Baptist Church (right beside the Mission Museum)
• The public swimming pool facilities
• The old recreation centre

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

10/01/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST - A man inspects a Fordson tractor on the Heptonstall Farm, ca. 1918.

One of the first Fordson tractors in BC was owned by the Heptonstall family in 1918. The model in the picture is the Fordson Model F, which was the first mass-produced tractor sold by Henry Ford.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

09/30/2026

SPECIAL POST – September 30, 2026
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Wednesday, September 30 is the 6th Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day. This important commemorative day is dedicated to raising awareness about the enduring legacy of residential schools by honoring the survivors, remembering those who never returned, and encouraging our shared commitment to reconciliation.

You can take part by wearing an orange shirt, attending a local commemorative gathering and supporting Indigenous artists, businesses and organizations.

09/28/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Early View of Mission Downtown 1900s

Does anyone recognize this view? This rare vintage photo shows early Mission looking east from Birch Street.

In the foreground, you can see the residences of early pioneers George Beckett (left) and Fred & Lucetta Solloway (right)—whose home was also used as a temperance boarding house. You can even catch a glimpse of the Bellevue Hotel roofline adjacent to the railway tracks!

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

09/24/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST - An advertisement in the Fraser Valley Review in 1945 (March 29th) listed 93 acres in Hatzic Prairie including several buildings and fruit trees for the price of $1,500 cash. $1,500 in 1945 had the same buying power as $27,685 has in 2026!

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

09/21/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Mission Tree Farm Initiative, 1974

In 1974, yellow cedar was classified as a shrub, and reliable data on it was scarce. So, Mission’s Municipal Forest stepped in to change that.

Tree Farm Manager Rocky Rockwell and Foreman Smokie Murdoch launched a unique research project to unlock the ideal way to grow yellow cedar for high yields.

Captured here…they review a miniature forest of 10,000 seedlings—proudly claimed by them as the world’s largest collection at the time!

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

09/16/2026

BLAST FROM THE PAST - Mr. and Mrs. Marcoux show off a fragment of a mystery balloon which landed on their Hatzic Prairie property in December 1967.

The paper in the photograph was all that survived of the sausage-shaped balloon, which they noticed floating above their house at 2 a.m.. The balloon came into contact with a powerline and burned up at some point in the night, leaving behind only the charred scrap of paper on which undecipherable handwriting was found. Police speculated that the balloon may have been a school science project, but no definitive answer was ever found.

You are invited to attend Hatzic Prairie Hall Days on Sunday September 20th, 2026, from 11am – 3pm.

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

09/15/2026

HISTORICAL TRIVIALITIES
Expansion of Westminster Abby, 1979

Flashback to 1979! This incredible shot shows the massive crane on-site at the Seminary of Christ the King for the construction of the new Abbey Church - a 144-foot extension to the south end of the Westminster Abbey complex which will have a soaring 50-foot ceiling and feature stained glass windows we all marvel at today. Who remembers seeing it built?

Own a piece of history: Message us or email [email protected] to purchase a digital or custom-size reproduction of this historic photo. Fees charged directly help sustain the Archives volunteer-based operation.

#1979

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Address

33215 Second Avenue
Mission, BC
V2V4L1

Opening Hours

Thursday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4am
Friday	8am - 12pm
	1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16048202621

Website

http://missionarchives.com/

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