Jeannine Worthing, Visitor Services Coordinator Among the many projects we have on the go at Point Ellice House, we are working on developing educational programming based on the BC Social Studies curriculum. One program we are excited about aims to teach classes about the history of food production and preparation by the O’Reilly family at […]
What in the World is a Celery Vase? Read More »
Christeah Dupont, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens In the earliest days at Point Ellice House there were no flushing toilets or showers. Before the 1880s, a set of jugs, basins, bowls, and pots were an essential part of personal hygiene. These toilet sets, of which there are several at Point Ellice House, included a
Chamber Pots and Slop Buckets Read More »
Point Ellice House and the families that lived here have inspired a number of authors over the years. The latest writer to draw inspiration from the historic house and the O’Reilly family is Edeana Malcolm; she has contributed this guest post about her latest book, House of Crows. Edeana Malcolm The inspiration for my historical
Christeah Dupont, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens Peter Coddle’s Trip to New York (PEH 975.1.7768a-b) is a game from the 1880s; it was one of the first mass produced games, resulting in its spread to Canada. The game is a structured narrative in which Peter Coddle (a ‘country bumpkin’) makes his way to New
Artifact Spotlight: Peter Coddle’s Trip to New York Read More »
Christeah Dupont, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens Violets were fashionable during the Victorian era for their delicate aroma, further popularized by Queen Victoria whose journals frequently repeat her adoration of the tiny blossoms. At the time, different meanings became associated with different flowers; violets signified faithfulness and modesty. Due to its popularity, the violet
Artifact Spotlight: Violets! (Perfume, Soap, Toilet Powder) Read More »
Christeah Dupont, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens This fine hat (PEH 975.1.9654) is made from felted black beaver fur and, according to the milliner stamp on the inside, came all the way from Wright and Oxley hatters on Sackville street in Dublin. This hat likely came with Peter O’Reilly to British Columbia in
Artifact Spotlight: Top Hat and Travelling Case Read More »
Christeah Dupont, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens Point Ellice House has an extensive china pantry and this week we are featuring a white porcelain pitcher (PEH 975.1.349) from the collection. According to the records in our database, it was likely purchased sometime between 1883 and 1893. The design of the pitcher is interesting as
Artifact Spotlight: Porcelain Pitcher Read More »
Christeah Dupont, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens By the end of the 19th century, spectacles or eyeglasses became a more common accessory. As knowledge of the eye increased and other societal changes took place – such as reading for pleasure – there was new demand for better aids to improve vision. In the Point
Artifact Spotlight: Spectacles Read More »
Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens As part of our south garden rehabilitation we have been uncovering various pieces of historical archaeology – particularly bricks, which the O’Reilly family used to create walkways and line borders and paths. Most bricks uncovered so far have not had any markings, making it difficult to identify the manufacturer
Artifact Spotlight: A Scottish Brick Read More »
Dr. Kelly Black, Executive Director Since the Vancouver Island Local History Society took over management of Point Ellice House in 2019, our approach has been to look beyond the house itself and connect the site and families with the wider history of Victoria, British Columbia, and the British Empire. When we drafted our business plan
Exhibit Planning During a Pandemic Read More »
