Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History

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Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History We are a non-profit society dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the Columbia Basin's history.

Into The DarkEach day, these men descended into the Sullivan Mine’s caverns. Some endured, but accidents and exposure to...
10/17/2026

Into The Dark

Each day, these men descended into the Sullivan Mine’s caverns. Some endured, but accidents and exposure to poisonous metals like lead were constant threats. For the brave souls featured in this photograph, danger was simply part of the job. Collection 0200.0012 c. 1922 - Image courtesy of Kimberley Heritage Museum and Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History https://basininstitute.org/collection/8/130/25272

10/13/2026

Walks with Derryll:

Join the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) as we continue the story of one man's quest to preserve, protect, and tell the story of the region.

Moose Wreck A car, battered by a moose encounter in Kootenay National Park, stands as a stark reminder of the hazards lu...
10/13/2026

Moose Wreck

A car, battered by a moose encounter in Kootenay National Park, stands as a stark reminder of the hazards lurking along the Banff-Windermere Highway, circa 1975. Collection No. 2465.0012 - Image courtesy of Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) https://basininstitute.org/collection/1/1954/102533

Spooky season inspires student creations in the BasinThanksgiving draws near as the trees explode with autumn colour. Oc...
10/06/2026

Spooky season inspires student creations in the Basin

Thanksgiving draws near as the trees explode with autumn colour. October brings two beloved traditions: Thanksgiving and Halloween. In these snapshots from the Legacy of Learning Project archives, students from School District No. 5 craft curious and delightful creations, tackle challenges, and count down the days until turkey or perhaps tofu graces their plates. Their imaginations run wild as they dream of the magical day when they can transform into a Minion, Bob Dylan, or even Ghostface while strutting door to door and demanding treats. One holiday celebrates life; the other honours the dead. As the school year forges ahead, these celebrations are a rite of passage for every student, promising excitement, the bounty of the harvest, and a chance to indulge in laughter, games, chills, and delightful feasts before winter’s quiet settles across the Canadian Columbia Basin: collection No. 2005.0001, 2005.0007, 2005.0009, 2005.0013 c. 1980s: Image courtesy of CBIRH https://basininstitute.org/collection/14/1482/51260

Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a...
09/30/2026

Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed annually on September 30th to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, and to recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School system. These commemorations offer a chance to deepen Canada’s understanding of the intergenerational effects of residential schools and to reflect on their enduring legacy as part of the ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and reconciliation. We at the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this day. The image of the construction of the St. Eugene Industrial School, more commonly known as the Residential School, c. 1920. Collection No. 2501.0030 is part of the CBIRH's online Image Bank https://basininstitute.org/collection/29/1888/99213

C.P.R. visits Crowsnest Pass SummitAt Crowsnest Pass Summit, C.P.R. locomotive No. 1316 and Caboose No. 3378 pause besid...
09/29/2026

C.P.R. visits Crowsnest Pass Summit

At Crowsnest Pass Summit, C.P.R. locomotive No. 1316 and Caboose No. 3378 pause beside the summit sign. Frank Mandill Gordon lingers by the caboose steps, quietly savouring the moment. Collection No. 0304.0003, 1905 - Image courtesy of Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) https://basininstitute.org/collection/3/284/33439

Fort Steele Livens up East Kootenay History ​Today, over 60 original and reconstructed buildings invite you to step into...
09/22/2026

Fort Steele Livens up East Kootenay History

​Today, over 60 original and reconstructed buildings invite you to step into Fort Steele’s story. Here, history is not locked away, but waiting to be lived. Fort Steele offers a gateway into the lives, cultures, industries, and pivotal moments that shaped the East Kootenay, letting you discover the heart of a community through time.

Fun with Dick and Jane at the SD #5 Board OfficeThe CBIRH is proud to present our Dick and Jane Reader Exhibit at the Sc...
09/14/2026

Fun with Dick and Jane at the SD #5 Board Office

The CBIRH is proud to present our Dick and Jane Reader Exhibit at the School District No. 5 (SD #5) Board Office in Cranbrook, B.C. With their simple stories and gentle watercolour illustrations, the Dick and Jane series became one of the most recognizable early reading programs of the twentieth century. Zerna Sharp created the books for William S. Gray’s basal readers, designed to help young children take their first steps into reading. Special thanks to Anna Majkowski (left), Carol Johns and Maureen Quinn.

To Hell With The BellsThe Cranbrook Retired Teachers’ Association rang in the first day back at school with its annual ‘...
09/08/2026

To Hell With The Bells

The Cranbrook Retired Teachers’ Association rang in the first day back at school with its annual ‘To Hell With The Bells’ pancake breakfast for retired teachers in the community. Special thanks go to Chris & Carol Johns, Linda Holt, and Barb and Lance Cuthill for hosting this tradition. Thank you to the many volunteers who made the event possible, as the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH) gets ready to launch ‘Name That Teacher’ in partnership with CRTA, School District No.5, and the Cranbrook District Teachers Association. Our doors are open to all educators and anyone who can ‘Name That Teacher!’

Labour Day BBQ at Rotary ParkJoin the East Kootenay District Labour Council this Monday for a Labour Day BBQ at Rotary P...
09/04/2026

Labour Day BBQ at Rotary Park

Join the East Kootenay District Labour Council this Monday for a Labour Day BBQ at Rotary Park in Cranbrook, B.C. We will also have a booth to mark the occasion. Hope to see you there!

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Suite #105 105/9th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC
V1C2M1

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2504899150

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