Current Exhibits
RETRO REFLECTIONS: A NOSTALGIC JOURNEY THROUGH 40 YEARS OF COQUITLAM HERITAGE
Mackin House
April 11 - December 20, 2024
Coquitlam Heritage Society is celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2024 with our exhibit, Retro Reflections: A Nostalgic Journey Through 40 Years of Coquitlam Heritage. Each room in Mackin House will feature a different display highlighting the history of ourselves and the community. Take a look at what it was like growing up in the 1980s and 1990s; a time of mixtapes, video games, and the emergence of zines and fan culture.
Did you know that we used to be a toy museum? Come view our wonderful toys through the decades In our toy display room. Also, look back on the history of our programming, like the Feasts of Coquitlam series, and see featured items from our extensive collection. Join us as we explore themes of nostalgia and look at how the “good old days” were not necessarily true for everyone.
LOOKING BACK: EXPRESSIONS OF HISTORY
Place des Arts
April 5 - May 23, 2024
This community exhibit aims to showcase the artistic interpretation of personal or historical moments in connection to Coquitlam by its community as part of our 40th anniversary celebration. This multidisciplinary exhibit explores themes of nostalgia, memory, personal history and local connections.
Image Credit: Girl with doll MH-2006-49-1-c
Can’t make in person to view the exhibit? See a 3D walkthrough of the exhibit below:
Past Exhibits
Working the Green Chain: Sikhs, Fraser Mills & The lumber industry
Mackin House
The Ross McLaren Company began sawmill operations on the Fraser River in 1890, beginning a company that was destined for economic ups and downs, several name changes and numerous expansions. Commonly called Fraser Mills, it was also the Canadian Western Lumber Company, and until it closed, the Crown Zellerbach Company. The mill employed labour from all over the world, giving a start to many Sikh and Chinese families who contributed to the settling of Coquitlam, and at one point employed large numbers of French Canadians who settled Maillardville. The mill brought in a multicultural population and also supplied the raw materials for many of the city’s buildings. It is an intrinsic part of Coquitlam’s foundation.
Cricket Generations
Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
May 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
Cricket Generations takes a look at the game of Cricket as it was forged in the West Indies and carried on by multiple generations in Mackin Park, Coquitlam.
Cricket - created in India, distributed by colonialism, and perfected in the Caribbean. After its introduction by colonial officers, slaves soon made the sport their own. It represents national pride, showing that after having been segregated and looked down upon for so long, Caribbeans can bat on the world stage as well as any other Cricket playing nation. The Windies cricket club, whose home field is Mackin Park, has been around for many generations. Some arrived as young men from the Caribbean and found a little bit of home in the club, while others joined the junior team to carry on a family tradition. In the West Indies, Cricket is more than just a sport, it is a time to party and celebrate. This is also true for the club in Mackin park, which the game is a community event as well as a great sport.
Get your game on
Mackin House
Jan 29, 2024 - Feb 29, 2024
The exhibition introduces are variety of old and new games, talks about the history of a variety of games, including parlour games. We will be offering games for the casual player and tournaments for the more ambitious. Learn how to play Carrom or perhaps teach people new to the game. Bring you favourite game along - old fashioned boards game or latest computer game.
Riverview: an artists point of view
Mackin House
Sept 19, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024
Artists Nadine Flagel, Haley Perry, and Camila Szefler approach themes of mental health, physical separation, and the history of the Riverview Hospital through a range of media ranging from illustration, reclaimed textiles and drawing. The artists' works engage with individual Riverview objects within the CHS collection, and the history of Riverview to create a very intimate approach to mental health and the physical space of the hospital.
Image: City of Coquitlam Archives - CA CCOQ C5-S01-SS02-EH.009
Intersectionality and Urban Spaces
Coquitlam Public Library - City Centre Branch
Nov 1 - Nov 30, 2023
Intersectionality is a theory that points to the multiple levels of a person's identity. A person who is of a non-white ethnicity, female, or of a certain age will experience spaces in the city differently for example than a white male. City spaces are not only experienced differently but posed actual threats and drastically restrict movement depending on who you are. This exhibits looks into different perceptions of the urban space.
Image: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
Ghost Stories from Around the World
Mackin House
Oct 13, 2023 - Nov 1, 2023
Ghost Stories from Around the World explores the history and intrigue of horror as a genre. This mini exhibition also highlights ghost stories from different cultures around the world and is accompanied by a movie and reading list to get you in the mood for Halloween.
Chinese Immigration Act, 1923
Coquitlam Public Library - City Centre Branch
Sept 1 - 29, 2023
The Chinese Immigration Act was often referred to as the “Chinese Exclusion Act,” its purpose was to restrict all Chinese immigration to Canada by narrowly defining the acceptable categories of Chinese immigrants. Within the Chinese community, this day was referred to as “Humiliation Day” The exhibition will look a the impact this had on the Chinese community.
The Corner Store Project
Place Des Arts
March 31 - May 25, 2023
Corner stores are a staple yet often unsung part of a thriving community. Unlike bigger chain stores, corner stores offer a unique picture of the people it serves. As part of our project, we interviewed several store owners to gather their stories and learn more about the histories of Coquitlam’s corner stores.
The Shape of Our memories
Mackin House
February 25 - April 28, 2023
This exhibit partners local artists with Coquitlam Heritage's collection of artifacts to create new pieces of art. How do individual objects help us remember, and how do they shape our memories? The exhibit features new work from visual artists: Carl Baird, Faria Firoz, James Groening, Karl Hipol and performing artist, Kelsi James.
Breaking bread
Mackin House
January 28 - June 17, 2023
Bread – it’s simple, delicious, versatile, and ubiquitous. It has a place in almost every cuisine around the world and comes in a seemingly infinite number of formats (think pastries, gluten-free breads, wraps, even beer). Yet we rarely stop to think about how and why bread has a universal home. Visit Breaking Bread to dive into these ideas and look at the cultures, people, paths, and ideas that have been a part of bread’s global rise. Exploring religions, historical events, and unique stories, we help shine light onto how some of our favourite foods found their way into our kitchens and hearts.
Fighting to be There
Location: Mackin House
November 5 - November 19, 2022
Fighting to Be There speaks of the many soldiers with diverse backgrounds, who hoped their military service would bring recognition and integration into society, but in the end, failed to receive this vital support from their country. This online-exhibit addresses the often-flawed treatment veterans received. In their own words, soldiers like First Nation Soldier Dick Patrick, Afro -Canadian soldier Andrew White and Michelle Douglas tell this story.
The Right to be Me
Mackin House
October 18 - November 19, 2022
The Right to Be Me is an informational display about the importance and use of pronouns and intersectionality.
Life Around Fraser Mills
Coquitlam Public Library (July - August 2022)
Mackin House Garden (August - September 2022)
Fraser Mills employed people of South Asian (mostly Sikh), Chinese, Japanese, and First Nation descent, most of whom worked as low-paid labourers and lived in the “Oriental Town” at the millsite. Life Around Fraser Mills explores the different people and cultures that made up the Fraser Mills community.
The Fraser Mills Train Station and Caboose
Heritage Square
June 24 - September 5, 2022
The Fraser Mills Station was built in 1910 at the King Edward and Grade crossing. It was one of five stations of the New Westminster Division of the Canadian Pacific Railway. There was a smaller station that preceded this one built in 1890. The mill, population, and landscape changed drastically in those 20 years and this station was a jumping off point for these changes. This is the online portion of our 2022 Train Station exhibit. You can visit the in-person exhibit at our museum!
The word caboose comes from the Dutch word “kabuis,” which was a small room on a ship used for preparing food. When trains were first used, military and marine vocabulary was adopted for this new technology. Over the years, cabooses acquired many nicknames. Some of these are crummy, hack, shack, done shaker, cabin or cabin car, van, hearse, buggy, brain box, sun parlour, chariot, throne room, clown wagons, way cars, doghouse, or lookout. This is the online portion of our 2022 Caboose exhibit.
Extractions: Resources through an Artistic Lens
Place des Arts
April 1 - May 19, 2022
This exhibit reflected on the abundance of natural resources in British Columbia that have inspired artists for millennia. Some artists have extracted from nature to create art, while others use art to comment on these extractions. While artists often capture the beauty and grandeur of the landscape, the artworks in Extractions highlight our use and abuse of land-based resources, such as mineral extraction, logging and aquatic and land farming, today and historically. This exhibit was funded by Metro Vancouver's Regional Cultural Cultural Projects Grants Program.
THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IS GROWING
Coquitlam Public Library Poirier
April 1 - 30, 2022
The LGBTQ+ Community is Growing is about how many aspects of the LGBTQ+ community have grown over the years, and how people react to it now. Examined are the world of drag queens, current terminology for different sexualities, and the increase of the LGBTQ+ community representation in the media. This exhibit is researched and presented by Coquitlam high school student, Caden Nicholson.
Coquitlam Heritage’s Youth IBPOC/2SLGBTQ+ Exhibit Mentorship Program, was funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Culture, Cooking, and Coquitlam
Coquitlam Public Library Poirier
March 1 - 31, 2022
How we experience food influences us in several ways, from our traditions and eating practices, to the stores we visit to buy ingredients. Culture, Cooking, and Coquitlam explored how food connects our community. This exhibit focused on the experiences of immigrants and how they had to adapt in Canada, as well as an overall view on food culture in the world. This Exhibit was researched and presented by Coquitlam high school student, Sophia Kishi. Coquitlam Heritage’s Youth IBPOC/2SLGBTQ+ Exhibit Mentorship Program, was funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Black Women Rock!
Coquitlam Poirier Library
February 1-28, 2022
Black Women Rock! investigated some of the accomplishments of local Black women. This exhibit juxtaposed past and present to see the diverse paths Black women have taken. There is much that we can all learn from these amazing women! This exhibit was researched and presented by Coquitlam high school student, Tasia Valencia. Coquitlam Heritage’s Youth IBPOC/2SLGBTQ+ Exhibit Mentorship Program, was funded by the Province of British Columbia.
Beyond Fishing
Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
November 15, 2021 - April 13, 2022
Fishing has been practiced in the Coquitlam area for centuries.. ‘Beyond Fishing’ looked at the past and at the many initiatives that have been taken to improve conditions for fish habitats and future fishing.
Coquitlam’s Heart of Gold
Mackin House
September 17 2021 - June 10, 2022
This is an online exhibit of our 2021-22 House Exhibit. The 1858 Fraser River Gold Rush, the 1862 Cariboo Gold Rush, and the Klondike Gold Rush of 1899, drew thousands of people to British Columbia. Not all of those who came planned to prospect. Many made a lucrative living from subsidiary enterprises such as furnishing supplies and transport, and by providing the necessities for everyday living. When the gold rushes ended, many of these seekers remained in the province and helped to create communities like the Coquitlam we know today.
38th Parallel: The Korean War
Coquitlam City Centre Library
May 3 - 31, 2021
38th Parallel: The Korean War commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War and explores key players of the war as well as accounts from veterans living in Coquitlam.
From Pro-Rec to Professional: The Surprising History of Gymnastics in Coquitlam
Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
April 7 - November 15, 2021
From Pro-Rec to Professional: The Surprising History of Gymnastics in Coquitlam takes a look at gymnastics in Coquitlam over the years. Current gymnasts follow a long tradition that included local clubs and physical therapy.
Upcycling: Back to Basics
Coquitlam Poirier Library
April 1 - 30, 2021
The Make Do and Mend campaign was one of the most important ways that someone on the Home Front could support the front lines during World War II. People learned to reuse and repurpose items around their homes so that new materials could be used in the war effort. This exhibit will show the similarities and differences between wartime austerity and the green movement of today where people reuse, recycle and upcycle, this time in the war to combat climate change.
We’ve Been Here a Long Time
February 23, 2021
Following our online exhibit about BC’s Black History, We’ve Been Here All Along, Coquitlam Heritage presents Part II, We’ve Been Here a Long Time to look at our local Black community members through the lenses of politics, family ties, and contributions to our community.
The exhibit will explore the routes some of these people took to arrive in Coquitlam, why they came, and what they do here. We will share interviews, recipes, and videos to put the spotlight on the local Black community.
Come meet your neighbours!
We’ve Been Here All Along
February 23, 2021
Traditionally, history in the western world has been recorded by the dominant European settler population. This has left huge gaps in stories, artifacts, and details surrounding the rest of the settler population and, of course, of the Indigenous communities as well. It is wrong to assume that an absence of formal recorded history points to a lack of significant contributions, however. In fact, every community adds important elements to every region of BC and Canada.
We’ve Been Here All Along is an online exhibit that recognizes a selection of stories and contributions from historic and contemporary Black communities, their achievements, and their struggles. It has been compiled through the generosity of those families and individuals who hold these histories safe.
Capturing Moments: Chronicling our Lives
Place Des Arts
January 22, 2021- March 18, 2021
Capturing Moments displayed art from our community that encapsulated memories and other significant moments in time. As we found ourselves one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, those experiences were compelling many to capture their feelings through art. Historically, art has been used effectively to chronicle our lives in sometimes grand, but also modest ways.
Working the Green Chain: Sikhs, Fraser Mills & The lumber industry
Coquitlam City Centre Library
July 2 - 30, 2021
The Ross McLaren Company began sawmill operations on the Fraser River in 1890, beginning a company that was destined for economic ups and downs, several name changes and numerous expansions. Commonly called Fraser Mills, it was also the Canadian Western Lumber Company, and until it closed, the Crown Zellerbach Company. The mill employed labour from all over the world, giving a start to many Sikh and Chinese families who contributed to the settling of Coquitlam, and at one point employed large numbers of French Canadians who settled Maillardville. The mill brought in a multicultural population and also supplied the raw materials for many of the city’s buildings. It is an intrinsic part of Coquitlam’s foundation.
Mackin House Deconstructed: The Hidden History of Everyday Objects
Mackin House
September 26, 2020 - June 18, 2021
Mackin House, like most homes, is filled with ordinary objects. Some are old, some are new, but most have a hidden history that is not evident from a casual glance. We take many of these objects for granted, but upon closer inspection they can reveal fascinating stories that can take us around the world. They are a window into scientific and socio-economic history. Our exhibit looked at a few of these items and got you thinking differently about the ordinary things you use everyday.
The Uncanny Valley
Online
June, 2020
The Uncanny Valley Hypothesis was first introduced by Masahiro Mori in 1970, as it applied to robotics and Artificial Intelligence, but the hypothesis has often been applied to lifelike dolls. The Uncanny Valley Hypothesis states that as dolls or robots look more human, we feel more attracted to them, until they reach a point when they are too lifelike and then we are repulsed by them. This has been exploited by scary doll movies, and many people find dolls creepy. Mackin House has its very own “Creepy Baby” on display, (pictured above), the doll the school children love to hate.
Civilian Impressions
Place Des Arts
March 2020
Artists interpret the experience of war in Civilian Impressions: Remnants of Conflict. There are many well-known artworks that depict the brutalities of front-line battles and suffering of military personnel, but what of the toll taken on those left at home, displaced, orphaned, or otherwise traumatized? Civilian Impressions is a collection of artworks that illustrate some of these experiences, either lived or viewed second hand. Personal battles are fought both at home and around the world or by family members, friends, and colleagues.
Winter Sports
Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
November 2019 - March 2020
For many the word Winter conjures up memories of sledding, skating and skiing. Early on, kids hiked up some of the highest peaks in Coquitlam, towing their sleds behind just to feel the icy wind on their faces as they raced down steep slopes. Frozen ponds became instant hockey rinks. Winter in Coquitlam provided the ultimate playground setting for children and adults alike. Coquitlam Heritage will explore the history of winter sports in Coquitlam and the surrounding areas. Find out what people did for fun and competition when equipment and facilities were rudimentary.
Home Front: World War II
Mackin House
September 2019 - June 2020
World War II took a terrible toll on the men and women who served overseas. While they were risking their lives, a different toll was being taken on those who served their country on the Home Front. Families at home dealt with the dread of losing loved ones in battle, but also with additional challenges. Women needed to go out to work. Shortages of food and materials meant life was more complicated. Pressure was put on all segments of society to support the war effort from home. Coquitlam Heritage will explore these things and more.
Resilience: The Internment of Japanese Canadians
Coquitlam Public Library - City Centre
July 2, 2019 - August 1, 2019
Coquitlam and the surrounding area were home to many Japanese families prior to World War II. They worked in the fishing and lumber industries, and as local merchants. Their children attended local schools, and many, especially women, were teachers. They came from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. They were part of the community.
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941, the lives of the Japanese community in British Columbia, and the rest of Canada, were turned upside down. Declared ‘enemy aliens’ they were fired, lost their businesses and property, and were sent to internment camps. The exhibit features artifacts and images from the internment camps and is a lead up to our upcoming house exhibit, Home Front: World War II.
Lacrosse: A Truly Canadian Sport
Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
April 2019 - October 2019
Next to hockey, there is perhaps no sport that better defines Canada than lacrosse. This official Canadian summer sport traces its roots to many First Nations communities. Like many people across the country, Coquitlam residents were lacrosse hungry. During the 1920s and 1930s, residents provided fields for their own teams, including present day Mackin Park. Today the name Adanac, or Canada spelled backwards, is synonymous with sport in Coquitlam. In 2018, Coquitlam lost one of its greatest lacrosse supporters, Les Wingrove. Join us as we honour his passion for this Canadian sport and explore its influence across Canada, in BC and in Coquitlam.
Heirlooms and Treasures
Mackin House
September 2018 - June 2019
Everyday we are presented with opportunities to care for, share and preserve the things that make us who we are. When we share our culture, we strengthen our connections with each other and our community. Come to Mackin House and discover ways you can safeguard the things that are closest to your heart. In this unique exhibition, we celebrate the things that make us who we are while introducing strategic solutions to ensure these cultural treasures are not lost in time.
Coquitlam Heritage: A Mosaic of Our Past
Place des Arts
February 16, 2018 - March 17, 2018
Committed to preserving, honouring and promoting our past, Coquitlam Heritage brings together artworks to explore diverse aspects of our rich natural and cultural heritage. Artists examine, reflect, and draw inspiration from historic photographs, ephemera or artifacts, each with its own story to tell. This expansive interpretation of Coquitlam’s past will engage the audience in discussions about diversity and community change over time.
Residents and visitors alike know Coquitlam is a multicultural community with many stories to tell. Over the past century, the Coquitlam landscape has shifted as land use changed. Embedded within our natural landscape are stories which showcase, reflect on, and re-interpret what we know about logging, fishing, mining, mental health and early settler life. Artists reveal and bring these stories to life in this remarkable exhibition featuring the unique, thought provoking stories of our past and the pieces of history that inspire them.
My Coquitlam, My Centennial
Coquitlam Public Library - Poirier
February 2018 - August 2018
Since its inception, Centennial Secondary has been an important focal point in Coquitlam. Opened in January 1967 with a parade for all of Coquitlam to see, the school welcomed teenagers from all over the city. Excellence in athletics, art and academics were immediately established. In this next round of modern oral histories we meet the pupils from the first days of Centennial, one a former lawyer and the others former teachers, all of whom recollect on their days at Centennial and what Centennial means to them. Join us in this unique look at the past and the present of Centennial High!
Remembering the Great War
Coquitlam Public Library - City Centre
November 3, 2017 - December 4, 2017
Between 1914 and 1918 Canada sent 625,000 men to war, a considerable contribution for a country with a total population of about 8 million. Men who enlisted did so out of pride for their country and commonwealth. They often viewed the conflict in terms of black and white or good vs. evil. Although there was an increased demand for soldiers, visible minorities were initially discouraged from joining the military. Despite this, thousands of First Nations, Metis, Africans, Sikh, Chinese and Japanese men joined and served. One in ten men did not return from this war. Join Coquitlam Heritage at City Centre Library in November 2017 as we remember the First World War.
We would like to thank Dean Fraser, Mark Ivins, Cary Price and Fred Hazell for loaning us items to display in this exhibit. We are so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these gentleman from the Canadian Military Education Centre! For more information on military history, events and programming please visit their website.
If you want to see more military history at Mackin House, keep your eye on our website for future exhibit and event collaboration.
My Coquitlam. My City.
Coquitlam Public Library - City Centre
October 2017 - January 2018
What does Coquitlam mean to you?
Coquitlam Heritage is proud to present My Coquitlam, a project highlighting members of our community and what they are doing to shape the future of Coquitlam. Heritage not only celebrates our past accomplishments but also rejoices in the values, achievements and experiences of the people all around us today. In order to preserve, honor and promote the stories of our diverse modern heritage, we embarked on a set of Oral histories to capture a snapshot of the people living within the city in 2017. Visit our display at Coquitlam Public Library’s City Centre Branch to read these stories and meet some of your unique neighbours!
Maillardville: A Train Ride Home
Coquitlam Public Library - Poirier
September 1, 2017 - September 30, 2017
Maillardville, a francophone community nestled just above the Fraser River, has long been a centre of culture, industry and history in Coquitlam. Over 100 years ago, a bustling sawmill sat on the river, aptly named Fraser Mills, where our French-Canadian community grew overnight. The first wave of French-Canadian migrants arrived at the train station on September 28th, 1909. A labour shortage at Fraser Mills combined with mounting anti-immigrant rhetoric in Canada during this time encouraged their migration into the community, forever changing the Coquitlam landscape. Join us as we explore artifacts and stories from one francophone family who came with the second wave of migrants in May 1910. Theirs, like many, is the story of coming home.
A Woman’s WOrld: 1900-1920
Mackin House
February 7, 2017 - May 27, 2017
The early twentieth century was a period of upheaval for societies and cultures across the globe. Canadian women across all classes, ages, races and sexual orientations had unique experiences during the period 1900-1920. Join us at Mackin House to explore the world women experienced during the early days of Coquitlam’s history.
Women were the heart of the home, providing nurturing care to their families while navigating an increasingly complex world. Who were the women who populated early Coquitlam? What was life like for women in the wilderness? How did women from different classes and across ethnicities navigate the increasing complexity of life in a new country?
The world of women changed drastically following the end of the Great War. With the success of the suffragette movement in Canada, women began to assert their independence both inside and outside the home. Visit Mackin House to discover how women navigated common issues of the time and to uncover how attitudes of the modern woman emerged.
A Man’s WOrld: 1990-1920
Mackin House
June 6, 2017 - October 7, 2017
As a follow up to our Woman's World exhibit, Mackin House is proud to dedicate the summer of 2017 to men! The early 20th century marked drastic changes for societies and cultures all over the world. Canadian men across all classes, ages, and ethnicities had unique experiences during the period between 1900 and 1920. Come to Mackin House and explore the world men experienced in the early days of Coquitlam’s history.
Toy Story: Playing Around Coquitlam
Coquitlam Public Library - City Centre
October 2016
Through a close examination of toys we can begin to understand the morals, values, and roles being passed onto children at any point in history. In the early days of Coquitlam, children were taught about hard work and they had to create their own fun. Join us as we explore the toy collection of Coquitlam Heritage.
These toys represent scientific discoveries, historical events, romantic fascinations, and cultural whims present in the world throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. From the handmade to plastic, these toys stimulate our imaginations, engage our skills, mimic adult roles, engage creativity, and provide children with opportunities to experiment with and discover the world around them. They are our history; these toys encompass the amusing, the humorous, the entertaining, the delightful, sometimes offensive, but always educational.
Science & Social Change: Early 20th Century Medicine
Mackin House
September 7, 2016 - November 1, 2016
The early 20th century period reflected shifting social and scientific attitudes to healthcare. During this period, healthcare was forced to respond to unprecedented challenges, including a rapidly increasing population, urbanization, and major public health crises on a scale never seen before.
Scientific development lead to new discoveries in treatment and prevention. Simultaneously, public health was brought to the forefront of political thought, resulting in the founding of the first federal Department of Health and paving the way for healthcare as we know it.
Increasing mental health awareness led to the development of psychiatry and psychology as a part of medicine. Locally, this can be seen in the founding of the Hospital for the Mind in 1904. Now, the Riverview Hospital grounds stand as a reminder of our mental health heritage.