Overview

The West Vancouver Museum & Archives is a community facility located in the historic Gertrude Lawson House. Officially opened in 1994, it features a dynamic exhibition and educational program, archives, and a gift shop. Operated by the Cultural Services section of the District of West Vancouver Parks and Community Services Department, in association with the West Vancouver Historical Society, the Museum & Archives works with the community as a heritage services resource centre to preserve and make accessible West Vancouver's history and development.

The Museum & Archives was founded by the West Vancouver Historical Society and the Rotary Club of West Vancouver. Initiated in the early 1980s, the Society pursued the idea of a museum and archives for the community, and in 1989 joined with the District of West Vancouver in making the dream a reality. On July 1, 1994 the facility was officially opened by the Squamish Nation in a ceremony witnessed by over 2,000 visitors.

Gertrude Lawson designed and built her home in 1939, reminiscent of Scottish castles seen on a journey overseas. The building is unusual for the Pacific Coast and features a stone sheath exterior wall built of granite blocks and river boulders - former ballast from sailing ships that plied the early Vancouver port, and Capilano river rocks. Ms. Lawson was a teacher and artist who planned her home as a place where other artist and educator friends could gather and live. She was the daughter of pioneer entrepreneurs John and Christina Lawson, and is very fondly remembered in the community.

For more information, please call 604.925.7295

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