Family Day Event

Free tours of Moss Cottage and Triangle Island Lighthouse

Saturday Feb 17, 2024: 11am-3pm
Tours begin approximately every 20 minutes

Built in 1869, Moss Cottage is the oldest standing pioneer home west of Victoria. In 1977, the owner donated the historic cottage to the Sooke Region Historical Society, who relocated the building to our museum grounds. For Family Day Weekend, visitors to the cottage will be welcomed inside by our interpretive guide in the character of Matilda “Aunt Tilly” Gordon who is raising her two children on her own, in 1902. Household tasks of the turn of the century are demonstrated by Aunt Tilly as she chats with visitors.

The lighthouse was built on Triangle Island in 1910. Lightkeepers and their families lived at this remote outpost under the most dreadful conditions. Historian Lanny Seaton will welcome visitors on Family Day Weekend to share his stories of life at the lighthouses of Vancouver Island as well as the saga of the journey of this lighthouse from Triangle Island (off Cape Scott, on the northern tip of Vancouver Island) to the Sooke Region Museum.

 

Open House and Salmon Barbecue

Sunday June 23, 2024

One of the most popular days of the year is the annual Open House and Salmon Barbecue the 4th Sunday in June. This is an opportunity for old friends to come together, catch up on the news, see what’s happening at the museum, check out the new exhibits, and feast on barbecued salmon. It’s also an opportunity for newer residents to meet friends, offer some volunteer time, get a sampling of our history, and check out the new exhibit in the Upstairs Gallery.

Traditional Salmon BBQ

Winter Market and Moss Cottage Christmas

Saturday December 7, 2024 11am-4pm

The hugely popular Winter Market and Moss Cottage Christmas returns on December 7, 2024. Aunt Tilly will lead tours of Moss Cottage, decorated for the season in 1902 style. The Winter Market features local Sooke artisans. All products sold at the Winter Market are made, baked, raised, caught, and wild harvested or 100% grown by the vendor. Vendors include the return of some familiar faces from the Summer Night Market as well as new vendors. To support and foster creativity and entrepreneurship in the next generation, one area of the market is dedicated to local young artisans selling their handmade goods.

New this year is the opening of the Triangle Island Light House for tours. The light house has been closed to the public while it has been getting fixed up. Stop by to see the new exhibit panels and hear stories from one who helped bring the light house to the museum grounds.

We hope you will come celebrate the season with us!