Speeches were given and memories shared at the Terrace Regional Historical Society’s 40th anniversary celebrations held at the Heritage Park Museum June 10.
Incorporated in June 1983, the society gathered up the financing and workforce to create the museum, a collection of log structures that were then dissembled and reassembled at the museum site immediately adjacent to Terraceview Lodge on the Bench.
Over the years Heritage Park has not only become a repository for artifacts and history, it is now a popular year-round venue for community and other events.
Present were society members as well as Skeena - Bulkley Valley Member of Parliament Taylor Bachrach, Gina Versteege representing Skeena Member of the B.C. Legislative Assembly Ellis Ross, City of Terrace councillor Sarah Zimmerman, Kitselas First Nation chief councillor Glenn Bennett and Sharon Bryant on behalf of the Kitsumkalum First Nation.
There was also food and music and for younger people, a teddy bear parade.
While responsibility for Heritage Park Museum now rests with the City of Terrace and another society, the Terrace Regional Historical Society remains an active participant in recognizing local and regional history.
It has published a book of memories of families who arrived in the area between 1940 and 1970. As a bonus, families were also asked to submit a favourite recipe.
Stories of early logging in the area were recounted in another publication.
And each February the society notes Heritage Day by hosting an event at the Sportsplex banquet room featuring groups and individuals from around the area.