Collections

Photo: Line of dories tied together, prepared for journey from Rough Bay in Sointula to Rivers Inlet. Sointula Museum Collection, photo #500.

The History of Malcolm Island

Our collection spans the entire tapestry of Malcolm Island’s history, encompassing artifacts and archival material that paint a vivid picture of its past. From tiny geological specimens to a grand 6-foot film projector that once graced the Finnish Organizational Hall for Friday Movie Night, our collection is a treasure trove of memories.

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Fishermen’s Tales: Rick ‘the Hippie’ James’ Photo Collection

A unique perspective on life in Sointula during the 1970s and 80s, particularly focusing on Rick’s time spent fishing in the area.

Visual Storytelling:
Our Photographic Archives

Our extensive archives of photographs, catering to all ages, offers visitors a contemplative journey through the challenges and joys experienced by the island’s early settler. These passed down memories of family events, dance hall parties, beach picnics, boats, and road building provide a window into the past, preserving the legacy of those who shaped the island’s current identity. We are working on digitizing our archives, but in the meantime, have volumes of albums for guests to flip through in our Reading Area.

Photo: Pulteney Point Lighthouse, 1915. The first of its kind on Malcolm Island, the wooden lighthouse safely guided vessels from Queen Charlotte Sound into Queen Charlotte Strait and Broughton Strait. A. B. Mäkelä is among the notable keepers of the original lighthouse. The lighthouse was replaced in 1943 with a concrete structure. Today, it is one of 27 lighthouses in British Columbia still manned by keepers. Ray and June Peterson Collection, photo #71

Photo: A selection of pamphlets about socialism and communism, three featuring the hammer and sickle on their covers, found during an archival project.

Stories Put to Paper: Books, Publications and Maps

Our books, publications and maps tell the personal and organizational stories of individuals striving to build a utopia in a remote land, as was the case when the Finns arrived in 1901 and still is until today. Their struggles, dreams, and triumphs are encapsulated within the pages and lines of these documents.

Dive into the Archives

To ensure the long-term preservation of these valuable materials, our archival storage room is continuously climate and temperature monitored. This commitment to care and preservation reflects the dedication of our small yet big-hearted museum. At our institution, every artifact and piece of archival material holds a story waiting to be discovered, connecting visitors with the island’s remarkable history.

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Every journey to Sointula begins and ends with a boat trip – it’s part of the adventure!

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Collections

The History of Malcolm Island

Browse Collections

Fishermen’s Tales: Rick ‘the Hippie’ James’ Photo Collection

Visual Storytelling:
Our Photographic Archives

Stories Put to Paper: Books, Publications and Maps

Dive into the Archives

plan your visit

Sointula Museum

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Collections

The History of Malcolm Island

Browse Collections

Fishermen’s Tales: Rick ‘the Hippie’ James’ Photo Collection

Visual Storytelling: Our Photographic Archives

Stories Put to Paper: Books, Publications and Maps

Dive into the Archives

plan your visit

Visual Storytelling:
Our Photographic Archives