The KMA Collection
Photo by OKGN Co.
The Kamloops Museum and Archives operates as part of the City of Kamloops, on Tk̓emlúps te Secwe̓pemc territory within the traditional and unceded lands of Secwépemc Nation, Secwepemcúl’ecw.
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Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed -
Archive Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 1:15pm - 4:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday & Monday: Closed
The KMA Collection
Archives of historical records and a Museum Collection of historical artifacts
The Kamloops Museum & Archives (KMA) is dedicated to collecting, organizing, interpreting, and displaying the rich material and recorded history of Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Our extensive holdings are divided into two main parts: an archive of historical records and a Museum Collection of historical artifacts.
The Museum Collection is a treasure trove of over 20,000 objects, each one a unique and fascinating piece of our region’s history.
From rocks and textiles to skateboards and taxidermy, these artifacts offer a tangible connection to the past, illustrating the diverse natural and cultural heritage of the area.
A Community Effort
The collection has been developed through generous donations from various communities. These contributions enable us to conserve, research and publicly display the rich history and heritage of Kamloops and the surrounding region.
We continually refine the collections to ensure they reflect the unique and diverse stories of our community.
At the museum, we are more than just a repository of historical items; we are a vibrant hub for preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of our region’s past.
Collection Showcase
Dig deep into the KMA collection as we pull something off the shelves to share with you. Click the photo to learn more. Or View All.
Respect for Indigenous Cultural Heritage
The Kamloops Museum & Archives (KMA) is dedicated to respecting and honouring the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. As part of this commitment, we do not accept items that have come from Indigenous communities or are expressions of Indigenous ways of being unless expressly requested through an appropriate consensual model led by an Indigenous cultural institution. This policy ensures that the stewardship of these important cultural items remains with the communities to whom they rightfully belong.
Commitment to Repatriation
The Kamloops Museum and Archives is firmly committed to the respectful repatriation of cultural items to Indigenous communities. We recognize the importance of returning these items to their rightful owners and the role they play in the cultural continuity and identity of Indigenous peoples. Whenever possible, we will assist with efforts to repatriate items to their Nation of origin, working closely with Indigenous communities to facilitate this process at the pace of the community. Our goal is to support the preservation and celebration of Indigenous cultural heritage in a manner that is respectful, ethical, and collaborative.
These principles are central to all museum decision-making, and the Kamloops Museum and Archives is committed to ongoing reflection to ensure that its practices align with them.
If you have any comments or questions, you can address them to Julia Cyr, the Museum Supervisor, at [email protected].
