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Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association performance Dragon, photo by OKGN Co.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon

February 1, 2024 – February 10,2024

The Kamloops Museum and Archives, in collaboration with the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association and the Kamloops Chinese Freemasons, hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration on February 10, 2024 enjoyed by 300+ visitors to the museum. The event celebrated the Year of the Dragon and featured the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association’s performance dragon on display from February 1 to 10, along with other historical artifacts from the Chinese community in Kamloops.

This exciting collaboration provided a fun and engaging celebration while also offering the museum an opportunity to partner with local Chinese cultural organizations on re-curated permanent galleries. Visitors enjoyed live music, food, crafts, and activities for the whole family from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event was free and open to all, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for the community to celebrate together.

The head of a Chinese dancing dragon is on steaks in the center of a red room.
The Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association performance dragon, photo by Frank Luca Creative
A mother and two kids pose in a black frame as the dad takes a photos.
Lunar New Year themed photo ops, photo by Frank Luca Creative
Volunteers sit at a table with guests drawing ink symbols.
Traditional Chinese artists, photo by Frank Luca

Working Together

As part of this short-term exhibition, the Kamloops Chinese Freemason’s Association and the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association have worked hand in hand with the Kamloops Museum and Archives. Together, they have identified, curated, and catalogued a number of artifacts that were uncovered during road construction on the west end of Victoria Street, the former location of Kamloops’ Chinatown.

Some of the items featured in the Lunar New Year exhibition, including those that chronicle the Chinese contributions to Kamloops’ cultural life, including the construction of the CP Railway, are now on permanent display as part of the riverpeoplenationstatepeople exhibition on the third floor of the KMA.

A closeup of hands holding a paper fan artifact.
Members of the Kamloops Chinese Freemason's Association and the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association work with the KMA to identify the origin, age, and use of some artifacts discovered during road construction.
A closeup of a finger pointing to a photo of men and women in traditional Chinese cultural dress.
Working with the Kamloops Chinese Freemason's Association and the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association give the KMA insights into how to properly care for, and record artifacts.
A Chinese man looks at an orange porcelain tea set with a women in gloves.
Taxidermy on display is extremely fragile and contains chemicals that should not be disturbed. Please do not touch.
The museum curator records notes about artifacts on the table in front of him.
Wealthier Chinese choose to set up general stores and provide much-needed oriental goods for the Chinese community. This could afford to own land in the future and bring their families to B.C.. As the Chinese community grew, other occupations were available.
A closeup of a man measuring a Chinese lantern from the Victorian era.
Chinese immigrants first came to British Columbia before it was British Columbia, drawn by the hope of finding gold throughout the Cariboo during the gold rush in the 1860s. When the gold rush ended, new work was available, though not as lucrative, building the Canadian Pacific Railway.
A older Chinese man shows the KMA curator how to use a traditional Chinese scale from the Victorian era.
In addition to identifying artifacts, the Kamloops Chinese Freemason's Association and the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association educated KMA staff on how pieces would have been used day-to-day.
A Chinese elder described the proper care for a Chinese string insturment.
Working with the Kamloops Chinese Freemason's Association and the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association give the KMA insights into how to properly care for, and record artifacts.
3 older Chinese community members laugh as they tell stories to the KMA curator.
Members of the Kamloops Chinese Freemason's Association and the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association look at artifacts.
What's On At The KMA
  • Admission By Donation Suggested
    $1 per child & $3 per adult.
    Frequently Asked Questions
  • 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
  • Please Note:
    The admissions desk may ask that you check your bags and any food and beverages upon entry.

    We encourage you talk in our galleries, have fun, and discuss the content and artifacts you see as you make your way around the building. Laugh, cry, and remember that we like hearing our galleries active!

The Kamloops Museum and Archives operates as part of the City of Kamloops, on Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc territory within the traditional and unceded lands of Secwépemc Nation, Secwepemcúl’ecw.

Learn About Our Commitment To Ethical Stewardship

Visit The KMA 207 Seymour Street (map) Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7 (250) 828-3576 [email protected]

© 2024 Kamloops Museum and Archives  | Designed by OKGN Co.

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