[BCMA] Point Ellice House reopens with new exhibit

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2020


Point Ellice House reopens with new exhibit on history of waste and water
in Victoria

In Victoria, fresh water has long been precious—and political. Springs and
Scavengers: Waste and Water in Victoria, 1842-1915 is a new exhibit at
Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens that brings you up close (but not too
close) to the story of water and waste management in early Victoria.

Through images, stories, and artifacts—including a spectacular collection
of chamber pots— the feature exhibit tells a story of basic human needs,
and the struggle that early Victoria had in keeping up with them. Visitors
will encounter the rapid expansion of the city’s water works, from a few
simple wells on the edge of town to the damming of Elk/Beaver Lake and its
pipeline of swampy-smelling water to Victoria’s fashionable homes. The
exhibit showcases night soil scavengers—tradesmen who made a living
manually removing sewage from the city’s homes (sometimes dumping it in
inconvenient places around town).

“Springs and Scavengers connects the personal with the political. Visitors
will peek into the water closets of the O’Reilly family, and learn of their
business interests in the privatization of the city’s water supply,” noted
Dr. Kelly Black, Executive Director of Point Ellice House Museum and
Gardens. Visitors will discover how marginalized communities—Chinese, First
Nations, and Black—were involved in waste and water matters, and how they
were both denied basic amenities and criticized for the lack of them.

“With Victoria’s new wastewater treatment plant coming online soon, the
exhibit always seemed timely - but the pandemic quickly increased its
relevance,” said Black. “The history of waste and water in British Columbia
is entangled with the history of public health, racism, and societal
response to the spread of disease.”

Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens will reopen on Saturday, July 4th
from 12pm to 4pm. “The health and safety of staff and visitors is our top
priority and we have guidelines in place to provide a safe and welcoming
experience. Admission is by appointment and visitors can book their visit
on our website; PointElliceHouse.com,” said Black.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the historic house will be closed to the
public. However, the heritage gardens remain open and visitors will be
provided with a number of opportunities to experience the history of the
site, including 360 degree videos of the house interior, as well as an
outdoor exhibit on the history of the home and its families.

Point Ellice House is located at 2616 Pleasant Street in Victoria’s Rock
Bay neighbourhood. Built in 1861-2, Point Ellice House is a National and
Provincial Historic Site and boasts a collection of over 10,000 artifacts
and 2 acres of heritage gardens. Today, the site offers changing exhibits
that connect the house and its occupants to the rich history of Victoria
and British Columbia.

Media and Onsite Contact:

Kelly Black, PhD
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
*Victoria's Historic House Museum *
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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