About Us
Deep Cove: A people's history
Janet Pavlik, a new resident to the area in 1970 wanted to learn about how the area had developed and quickly discovered no one had recorded the history. She began by talking to longtime residents and gathering their photos, recording interviews for public access TV programming, called Early Days in Deep Cove. All the information gathered became the basis of the archives for the Deep Cove and Area Heritage Association, later renamed to Deep Cove Heritage Society (DCHS).
DCHS has published two history books, in 1989 and 2012 which covered the 19 neighbourhoods of the Seymour area. Both books are available for purchase from our office and other local stores.
In 1992, a cookbook was published, featuring recipes from residents. Over the years, the Society has offered writing workshops to help people get started at recording their own stories. Popular workshops and events have included Métis Nation finger weaving, summer boat cruises up Indian Arm to Wigwam Inn, bus tours of the historical sites of the area, walking tours and hikes on Mt Seymour.
DCHS operates from the Deep Cove Cultural Centre and the office is staffed one day per week or open by appointment. Volunteers perform the majority of the Society’s work; most of which have direct ties to the area. Our volunteers look forward to opening the office again on weekends and until that time, continue gathering, scanning and archiving images and recording stories. The Society issues a quarterly newsletter, available from the DCHS website and digitally to our members and community.
In recent years, DCHS has been working closely with schools, particularly Seycove Secondary School, to include student participation in projects of interest to everyone. Student interviews with area residents open up communications and learning opportunities.
Executive Committee
- Liz Jenkins Bollmann – President
- Eileen Smith – Vice President
- Louise Hart – Treasurer/Secretary
- Janet Pavlik – Director
- Wendy Bullen Stephenson – Director
- Marcia Garries – Director
Office
- Jim Slight – Co-ordinator
Archival Project
- Liz Jenkins Bollmann
- Eileen Smith
- Keith Dunn
Newsletters / Writing
- Eileen Smith
- Wendy Bullen Stephenson
Moving forward
As we move forward, the Society continues to include digital documentation through our Hub photo archive and website. Major projects include updates to the Heritage website to allow inclusion of the student interviews, historical recordings, and presentations.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the waters and the mountains, future plans include more outreach within our communities, learning and gathering the histories of all peoples who have made their homes here.
We always welcome volunteers. The work of the Society requires time and skills of many people. Whether an interest in history or a desire to learn about the stories of the Seymour area, everyone is welcome.
