Whistler Museum :: Collecting, Preserving, Interpreting and Documenting Mountain Life http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php This page contains the blog. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:07:51 -0800 http://ubertor.com/?v=1.0 en Creekbread Benefit Night http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/creekbread-benefit-night Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:07:41 -0800 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/creekbread-benefit-night Happy Birthday to us! In the summer of 1986 Florence Petersen began fulfilling a promise made to Myrtle Phillip and Dick Fairhurst that their stories would not be forgotten. Phillip and Fairhurst were concerned that the early days of the valley would be forgotten entirely as skiing became the dominant activity.

As items for the museum were gathered, a temporary showcase was constructed in an 11 by 14 foot room in the back of the original Whistler Library. In February 1987, 25 years ago, the Whistler Museum and Archives Society (WMAS) became an official non-profit organization.

Today, we are busier than ever, with a well-read blog, ongoing community programs such as our Speaker Series, school programs, walking tours, and much more. We are thrilled to have the high level of support from the community that we have received since re-opening in late 2009 in our current location off of Main Street.

On February 7th, we invite you to come help us celebrate our birthday at Creekbread as we raise money for our community programming initiatives. Creekbread will kindly donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the Whistler Museum, and we will also be having a raffle.

Between 6 and 7pm, local musician and Whistler Anthem Project winner Chad Oliver will entertain diners with an acoustic set. All attendees will have the chance to win a door prize. Increase your odds by entering our raffle, featuring some truly fabulous prizes from the following local businesses:

  • Black Goat Cashmere
  • TAG Whistler
  • Rim Rock Café
  • Ruby Tuesday Accessories
  • Rocky Mountain Soap Co.
  • David’s Tea
  • Nesters
  • Scandinave Spa Whistler
  • The Wild Wood Café / Elements Urban Tapas Parlour

 

XXCreekbread poster]]> Request for Proposal http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/request-for-proposal Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:22:00 -0800 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/request-for-proposal The Whistler Museum and Archives Society is seeking proposals for a sculpture to memorialize Whistler pioneer and Finnish logger, Seppo Makinen. The memorial sculpture project was made possible through a donation from the Estate of Seppo Makinen. 


The Museum is particularly interested in life-size, representational work in wood, but will consider all mediums and styles. The sculpture will sit at the base of Lost Lake Park near the Passive Haus, backing onto Blackcomb Creek and Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.


Please submit proposals by  March 1st, 2012 to the Whistler Museum and Archives Society. The winning proposal will be selected by the Board of Directors of WMAS. Fee for the work is $5,000. 

For the complete Request for Proposal, please click here. 

]]> January 18th Speaker Series http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/january-18th-speaker-series Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:55:30 -0800 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/january-18th-speaker-series  

Roger McCarthy presents, "From Alta Lake to Sochi: An insider's view on the 2014 Games"

McCarthy image 

Journey from Whistler, British Columbia to Mont Tremblant, Quebec to Sochi, Russia and back again with Roger McCarthy as he shares photographs and stories from his fascinating career in the mountains. McCarthy will focus on his experiences in Russia, working to create a brand new ski and snowboard area for the upcoming Games. You won't want to miss this one!

January 18th, 7-9pm. Doors open at 6:15pm. 

Tickets are on sale now for $7, available at the Museum or by calling 604.932.2019. Only 50 seats available!

Complimentary tea and coffee (courtesy of Whistler Roasting Company and Namasthe Tea Co.), cash bar.  

 

]]> CFOW Citizen of the Year http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/cfow-citizen-of-the-year Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:14:50 -0800 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/cfow-citizen-of-the-year The 2011 Community Foundation of Whistler Citizen of the Year Celebration will take place at the Museum on Wednesday, November 30th, from 6:30-8:30pm.

Tickets are $20, and are available at the door.

For more details, please see the CFOW page here.  ]]> Feeding the Spirit - November 19 http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/feeding-the-spirit-november-19 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:24:19 -0800 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/feeding-the-spirit-november-19

FREE FOOD AND AWESOME PRIZES

Is there really anything else to say? Well, all right if you insist.

 

Feeding the Spirit 2011, sponsored by Creekside Market and as part of Welcome Week, invites newcomers to Whistler for a night of feeding minds, stomachs and well, spirits.

This annual event is a great opportunity for those who are new to our fabulous mountain town to connect with other newcomers, as well as long-time locals. It is also a fabulous way to score some free food and some truly great prizes.

Like what, you may ask? Well, do you think that you might need some food this winter?

At Feeding the Spirit 2011 you have the chance to win free groceries from our co-sponsor, Creekside Market. Need some warm clothes? Don’t miss out on the chance of winning a pro pack from Prior Snowboards. Want to keep your face toasty warm when you’re shredding? We have a Nibz Bandana for you. Think your tresses will eventually need some expert help? Let the masters at Farfalla guide you, should you be so lucky as to win the draw. Like pizza and cheeseburgers? We got you covered, with a chance to win some gift certificates from Misty Mountain Pizza and Splitz Grill. Need some caffeine? Win some delicious locally roasted coffee from Whistler Roasting Company. There’s more to be won at Feeding the Spirit 2011…you’ll just have to come to find out what else is up for grabs!

Come to the Whistler Museum on November 19th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm to enjoy some free food, spend time with friends and make some new ones. Get to know some long-time locals and take some time to browse our exhibits to learn a little about naked hippies, ski-ballet and why there’s a garbage dump under the village.


Prizes donated by local businesses including:

Creekside Market
Nibz Bandanaz
The Lift Coffee Company
Splitz Grill
Misty Mountain Pizza
Prior Snowboards
Celebrate Whistler
Farfalla Hair & Esthetics
Whistler Roasting Company]]> November 16th Speaker Series http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/november-16th-speaker-series Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:24:42 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/november-16th-speaker-series


  • When: Wednesday, November 16th, 7pm-9pm, doors at 6:15pm
  • Where: Whistler Museum, 4333 Main Street
  • Who: 19+
  • Cost: $7 regular price; $5 for Museum members; purchase a Museum membership for $25 and we will include a ticket.

While there are dozens of different reasons why people love the mountains, for the most part they boil down to one thing: energy. Whether it’s the raw, encompassing power of mountain environments, the vitality one feels when immersed in the alpine, or even the myriad spiritual associations that have been made with these sublime landscapes, the mountains’ unique  energy is undeniable.

It’s also infectious, a fact made apparent when you speak to Johnny “Foon” Chilton. This November 16th the prolific Pemberton-based ski-mountaineer will be sharing his passion for the mountains at the Whistler Museum as part of our monthly Speaker Series.

Johnny at Mount Fee, mid-nineties.

Skiing professionally for nearly two decades Chilton has racked up dozens of first descents throughout B.C.’s Coast Mountains. Two years ago Chilton embarked upon his latest mountain adventure, one that sees him on the opposite end of the ski-industry spectrum.

A cabinet-maker by trade, Chilton began handcrafting skis designed specifically for the Coast Mountains’ legendary terrain, as well as the discerning tastes of their hard-charging skiers. What’s more, all the wood in Foon’s skis comes from trees grown right here in the Coast Mountains.

The end product is an extension of Johnny’s conviction that soul is just as crucial to ski design as sidecut, Here’s his take on the inspiration for Foon Skis’ compelling life-cycle:

The mountains are alive; alive as a greater organism.  We, like the trees and animals that live on the mountains, are a part of THEM. Not the other way around. And as such I have been inspired to make skis that are part of the mountains, made from the trees of B.C.’s Coast mountains with the hands and the energy of a man from B.C.’s Coast mountains.

Drawing from his first-hand knowledge of the history of Coastal ski mountaineering, Chilton’s aim for the talk is to inspire and share what the mountains mean to him. Expect a presentation full of drama, passion, and amazing photos, and expect to leave energized for another winter of mountain adventure.

Johnny skiing Mount Duke, in the Duffey Lake region of the Coast Mountains.

Advanced ticket purchase is recommended, as capacity for this event is limited to 50. Tickets are available for purchase at the Museum, or by calling 604-932-2019.

Complimentary tea & coffee courtesy of Whistler Roasting Company will be provided, and there will be a cash bar as well.                                                      

The Whistler Museum Speaker Series is an ongoing series of presentations covering a wide variety of topics related to mountain history, culture, and environment, travel, and adventure. Presentations are held in the evening at the Museum. It occurs on the third Wednesday of most months.

]]> 2nd Annual Volunteer Fair http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/2nd-annual-volunteer-fair Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:39:49 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/2nd-annual-volunteer-fair
Volunteer Fair ad final

Meet with representatives from 19 local organizations! Whether you've been here for a few days or a few years, this is great chance to meet new people and gain valuable, resume-building experience.

Click here to view the poster: Volunteer Fair Poster

Where: Istken Hall, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre 
When: Tuesday, November 15th 2-5pm 
Cost: Free

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 604.932.2019. 

 

]]> Icon Gone 2011 - November 6 http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/icon-gone-2011-november-6 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:03:48 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/icon-gone-2011-november-6 Whistler Museum presents:

5th Annual Icon Gone

icon gone poster updated

  • When: Sunday, November 6th, 7pm-10pm, doors at 6:30pm
  • Where: GLC
  • Who: 19+
  • Cost: $10 advance purchase from the Whistler Museum/$15 at the door

What is Whistler’s Greatest Icon?

Icon [AHY-kon] noun: A person, place or thing of great cultural significance.

Icon Gone [AHY-kon gon] event: A no-holds-barred critical-thinking cage match to determine Whistler‘s greatest icon.

The Whistler Museum is excited to announce the 5th annual Icon Gone. Tailor-made for a town with as quirky and contested a history as Whistler, this raucous community celebration pits passionate, outspoken locals against each other in a rhetorical joust to determine Whistler’s greatest historical icons.

The formula is simple, the competition fierce: eight local agitators appear on stage to argue on behalf of a potential icon. A head-to-head elimination format will put these community pillars through the proverbial pressure cooker, whittling them down to an eventual champion deemed most worthy of the exalted “icon” status.

Those set to wage this word of words on behalf of Whistler’s historical honour include: Hi Brooks, Jamie Bond, Angie Nolan (with Cathie Coyle), Chris Quinlan, Kevin Damaskie, Jackson Crompton, Stephanie Sloan, and Jessica Turner.

New for 2011, this year’s venue is the GLC, itself a Whistler icon. In addition to the audience-judged format from years past, local wordsmith and former Icon Gone champion Stephen Vogler along with Whistler Question editor Jennifer Miller will make up our esteemed judging panel. Meanwhile, long-time Icon Gone emcee-extraordinaire is returning to continue her proud tradition of biting remarks and witty banter.

Icons—our shared experiences, cherished landmarks, and beloved neighbours—are the essence of our shared identity, the difference between a collection of people and a real community. So what are Whistler’s greatest icons? Is it Black Tusk? Opening day gondola line-ups? Your favourite local visionary or eccentric? Or is it some under-appreciated yet essential element of our social fabric? Come with an opinion, and come prepared to laugh, cheer, maybe even cry at one of the few events that can truly claim to be “history in the making.”

Presented with the generous support of The GLC, Whistler Foto Source, Araxi, and Sushi Village.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Whistler Museum (4333 Main Street) or by calling 604-932-2019.

For further information stay tuned to www.whistlermuseum.org or contact Jeff Slack, Museum Programming Coordinator: 604-932-2019; programs@whistlermuseum.org

]]> Big Kids LEGO Competition, Oct 13 http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/big-kids-lego-competition Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:18:01 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/big-kids-lego-competition News & Events
<< back to article list

Big Kids LEGO Competition, Oct 13

The Whistler Museum and WhistlerIsAwesome.com are excited to announce their first ever LEGO building competition for adults. Up to twenty adult competitors will piece together their masterpiece best representing the theme, “Off Season? What off season!?” for the glory of reigning as Whistler’s master builder of this iconic children’s toy.

Big Kids LEGO Poster

When: Thursday, October 13
Competitors begin building at 6pm
Doors Open to public at 7pm
Where: Whistler Museum
Cost: $10 for competitors, $5 donation for party
For more details, read the press release here.
Want to compete? To register, call the Museum at 604-932-2019; email programs@whistlermuseum.org; or download a competitor registration form.]]> Request for Proposals - Seppo Memorial http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/request-for-proposals-seppo-memorial Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:56:39 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/request-for-proposals-seppo-memorial sculpture memorializing Whistler pioneer, and Finnish logger, Seppo Makinen.
Seppo portrait

The Museum is particularly interested in life-size, representational work in wood, but will
consider all mediums and styles. The sculpture will be located at the base of Lost Lake
Park near the Passive Haus, backing onto Blackcomb Creek and Whistler and Blackcomb
Mountains.

For more details, please click the link below to download the full RFP:

Request for Proposal - Seppo]]> October Speaker Series http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/october-speaker-series Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:32:01 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/october-speaker-series

Speaker Series: Bruce Watt & the Creation of CARDA, October 19th.

 

 

Come hear the fascinating story of the creation of the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA).  Bruce Watt, a long-time ski patroller and Whistler local who personally trained and validated the first civilian avalanche rescue dog in Canada will be giving the talk (with the loyal assistance of a rescue dog, of course).

 
When: Wednesday, October 19
Doors open at 7pm
Where: Whistler Museum
Cost: $7
]]> New Blog Post: Walter Zebrowski http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/new-blog-post-walter-zebrowski Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:50:07 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/new-blog-post-walter-zebrowski Whistorical blog to read about one of the most influential figures in the early development of what eventually became Whistler, the strong-willed and gregarious Polish immigrant Walter Zebrowski.

http://blog.whistlermuseum.org/2011/10/01/locals-profile-walter-zebrowski/]]> Big Kids LEGO Competition, Oct 13 http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/big-kids-lego-competition-oct-13 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:47:46 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/big-kids-lego-competition-oct-13 WhistlerIsAwesome.com are excited to announce their first ever LEGO building competition for adults. Up to twenty adult competitors will piece together their masterpiece best representing the theme, “Off Season? What off season!?” for the glory of reigning as Whistler’s master builder of this iconic children’s toy.

Big Kids LEGO Poster

When: Thursday, October 13
Competitors begin building at 6pm
Doors Open to public at 7pm
Where: Whistler Museum
Cost: $10 for competitors, $5 donation for party
For more details, read the press release here.
Want to compete? To register, call the Museum at 604-932-2019; email programs@whistlermuseum.org; or download a competitor registration form.
 ]]> New Blog Post: Whistler is (Grizzly?) Bear Country. http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/new-blog-post-whistler-is-grizzly-bear-country. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:21 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/new-blog-post-whistler-is-grizzly-bear-country. Whistorical blog, Whistler is (Grizzly?) Bear Country. Could grizzlies make a comeback around these parts? Should they? Read the post, leave a comment. You tell us...

Grizzly hunt
Hunters with 2 trophy grizzly bears in the Singing Pass/Musical Bumps area, circa 1916-17. Photo courtesy Whistler Museum.
]]> 100 Years of Dreams T-shirts! http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/100-years-of-dreams-t-shirts Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:00:18 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/100-years-of-dreams-t-shirts We are doing a reprint of the highly popular 100 Years of Dreams shirts at the end of the month. You must preorder to get in on the reprint. Just fill out the order form and send it in by September 23rd. Please note that sizing runs small, and be sure to specify brown or white.

The limited edition art print posters are completely sold out.  

small logo 100YOD 
]]> New Blog Post: Cliff Fenner: Mountain Man http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/new-blog-post-cliff-fenner-mountain-man Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:01:48 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/new-blog-post-cliff-fenner-mountain-man Whistorical Blog! This week we profile Cliff Fenner, who was a warden for Garibaldi Provincial Park during the 1950s and 60s. His collection in our archives contains some interesting insights into the park's administration during that period, but the real highlight is all of the beautiful photographs he left behind. Cliff was very talented behind the lens, even making a living as a travel photographer and writer after he retired from the Parks Service. To read more about Cliff and to see some of his photographs click here.]]> Rare Book Sale Aug 27-29 http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/rare-book-sale-aug-27-29 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:11:25 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/rare-book-sale-aug-27-29
book sale ad]]> Museum will be closed August 23rd http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/museum-will-be-closed-august-23rd Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:29:40 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/museum-will-be-closed-august-23rd The Museum will be closed Tuesday, August 23rd for a Staff Day. Please note that our 1pm Walking Tour will run as usual, leaving from the Whistler Visitor Centre.  ]]> Lots of great content on our blog! http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/lots-of-great-content-on-our-blog Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:45:30 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/lots-of-great-content-on-our-blog Whistorical, the Whistler Museum's blog, there's tons of new content including lots of multimedia goodies.

Just yesterday we uploaded an audio player so you can listen to the top 5 entries from last week's Whistler Anthem Project, as well as some great photos from the main event from local photographer Joern Rhode. The five tunes represent an eclectic mix of styles, from laid-back surfer-acoustic, to classic piano rock, celtic-infused contemporary rock, a piano ballad, and top prize winner Chad Oliver's catchy country-rock tune "Top of the World."

Prior to that we posted dramatic slideshow of historical mountaineering photos made by summer student Jeff Slack. The show was  screened during the judges intermission of the wildly popular Deep Summer Photo Challenge, one of the marquee events of Whistler's annual Crankworx mountain biking festival.

Other recent entries include an article by Alix MacKay about a 1930s ski expedition in Garibaldi Park that almost led to ski-area development in the 1930s; the story of Pip Brock (part 1, part 2), pioneer local mountaineer and the first person to ski down Whistler Mountain; and rare video footage of Rainbow Park from the 1930s.

So have a browse and keep tuned for more great content in the weeks to come. Make it easy by following us on twitter @Whistlermuseum, liking us on Facebook, or subscribing to the blog itself through an e-mail subscription (click the button in the top right of the blog homepage).]]> 15th Annual LEGO Building Competition http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/15th-annual-lego-building-competition Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:16:59 -0700 Whistler Museum General http://www.whistlermuseum.org/Blog.php/15th-annual-lego-building-competition Everyone loves LEGO! The Whistler Museum is excited to announce our 15th annual LEGO building competition, coming up this August 20th. Come by the Museum from 2-4pm to stretch your imagination and test your building skills in the coolest kids-only competition in Whistler!

This year’s theme is “Transportation: How would YOU get to Whistler?” Kids are encouraged to design their ideal method of getting to Whistler; past, present, or future! A bear-drawn carriage? Super-sized Gondola? Hovercraft? Couchbike? Anything goes!

There are great prizes to be won from Whoola Toys, Armchair Books, Cows, The Body Shop, Hatley and more, and every contestant gets a goody bag!

While you’re at the Museum make sure to take a guess at the contents of our LEGO jar. The guess that comes closest to the total number of LEGO pieces wins a year-long family membership to the Whistler Museum!

Registration is only $10 per family, which includes Museum admission for the day. To register, you can call us at 604-932-2019; e-mail us at education@whistlermuseum.org, or stop by the Whistler Museum at 4333 Main Street, beside the library. A registration form can be downloaded here.

Registration is limited to 50 contestants, and we fill up every year. Don’t be left out in the no-LEGO cold, register today!

]]>