[BCMA] Historic Point Ellice House Re-Opens

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Media Release

For Immediate Release
Monday July 15, 2019

Historic Point Ellice House Re-Opens After Extensive Renovations and
Upgrades

Victoria, BC – Point Ellice House, one of Victoria’s oldest homes, is
reopening to the public for the first time since the Vancouver Island Local
History Society (VILHS) took over management of the site in April 2019.

With financial support from the Province of British Columbia, the society
has invested in heritage conservation measures and extensive improvements
to the visitor experience at the historic house museum and gardens.

Visitors to the site will find a renovated Visitor Centre, refreshed
artifact displays, a new feature exhibit space, and accessibility upgrades.
“Over the last 3 months we have worked with Vancouver-based Double Dare
Design and Victoria’s Edda Creative to bring visitors an updated
experience. This has truly been a local project, from the design and build
to the roller blinds and flooring, the Rock Bay business community has been
incredibly supportive,” said society President Patrick Dunae.

The creation of a feature exhibit space allows visitors an in depth look at
the stories of Point Ellice House and an opportunity to get up close with
some of the over 6,000 artifacts held at the site. The first exhibit to
launch in this dynamic space is Point Ellice House: Politics of Luxury.
Through images, artifacts, and stories, The Politics of Luxury examines the
relationships that sustained people, power, and privilege in Victoria.
Visitors meet the O’Reilly family who made Point Ellice House their home
for 108 years, tour the house, experience the luxury they lived in, and
meet some of the working people who supported their lifestyle.

Executive Director Kelly Black noted that, “The Politics of Luxury isn’t
your grandmother's historic house experience. The exhibit takes on the
colonial past and examines how decisions made within these historic homes
had important and sometimes devastating effects on the people of British
Columbia, particularly First Nations—decisions that continue to shape the
province today.”

“We know that many people in Victoria have never visited Point Ellice House
and we feel that these upgrades and new experiences mean there has never
been a better time to visit one of the city’s best kept secrets,” said
Black.

Opening weekend at Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens is Saturday July
20th and Sunday July 21st, from 12pm to 4pm. The following weekend, Point
Ellice House will host Archaeology Day on Sunday July 28th. This community
event will feature historical archaeology from the Gorge Waterway, family
friendly activities, food and drink.

Point Ellice House is located at 2616 Pleasant Street in Vicotria’s Rock
Bay neighbourhood. The house, constructed between 1861 and 1862, is among
the oldest homes in the city; it was designated a National Historic Site in
1966 and became a Provincial Historic Site in 1975. The house is also
listed on the City of Victoria’s heritage registry. Point Ellice House
Museum and Gardens is open Saturday and Sundays, 12pm to 4pm. Admission
rates and other details can be found at PointElliceHouse.com

-30-

Media Contact:

Kelly Black
Executive Director, Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens

Mobile: 250.580.3420

Email: Kelly at PointElliceHouse.com



-- 
Kelly Black, PhD
*Executive Director, Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens*
Phone: 250.580.3420 <(250)%20580-3420> (cell)
Email: Kelly at PointElliceHouse.com
Address: 2616 Pleasant Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 4V3

www.PointElliceHouse.com <http://www.Pointellicehouse.com/>
*Operated by the Vancouver Island Local History Society*

Lekwungen Territory [Songhees & Esquimalt Nations]
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