There's always something going on the the Doukhnobor Discovery Centre! Dedicated projects and special events are a major part of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society's commitment to preserving and sharing Doukhobor cultural heritage with visitors to the DDC.
Focused projects, with emphasis on improvements and upgrades to infrastructure, facilities, exhibits and promotion of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, are coordinated and carried out each year. These projects are made possible through the support of funding programs and partnerships, donations, fundraising efforts and volunteer participation.
Hosting and participating in events is an integral part of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre season. Each year the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society Annual General Meeting coincides with the DDC Season Opening celebration in May, Petrov Dyen (Peter's Day) commemoration ceremonies are held in June, admission-free days are offered during the Columbia Basin Culture Tours in August, and a BC Culture Days open house weekend takes place in September. In addition to these annual events, a variety of special events and private functions take place at the DDC each year.
The following lists our most recent projects and events. Read the DDC News to learn more about past projects and events or to find out what's happening next at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre.
The Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society officially launched their new Doukhobor Discovery Centre website.
Project completed: May 2017
The Glade Panoramic Photo originally found its way into the possession of the USCC Cultural Interpretive Society which printed and framed the image using archive grade materials. Lacking the space to display it, the ladies decided to sell the framed print and requested that it might be put on display for sale at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre. Hanging inside the Gift Shop of the DDC, the print soon became an integral part of the museum tour experience resulting in the search for funding to acquire the heritage image.
The Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society acknowledge the Columbia Basin Trust and Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for funding towards the Glade Panoramic Photo Acquisition Project.
Project completed: September 2016
The installation of new, energy efficient lighting inside the Audio Visual Building and the interior of display cabinets, as well as installation of a new sound system in the village courtyard so that traditional music can be played for a fuller visitor experience.
Project completed: Spring 2016
As a result of funding made available through the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society is pleased to have partnered with the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) in our artifact restoration project. The restoration of our Mountain and Farm Wagons is complete and we are pleased to have them out on display during the tourist season.
Project completed: Summer 2015
In partnership with the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation, the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society is pleased to announce the installation of new safety fencing to our “Implement Display Shed” at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre. This fencing offers safe viewing of outdoor artifacts year round.
Project completed: June 2015
The Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society at the DDC wishes to acknowledge the Regional District of Central Kootenay – Area I for supporting our “Cultural Infrastructure Upgrade – Sidewalk Replacement” through the UBCM Community Works Program in the amount of $25,000.00. Although concrete is not a traditional part of a Doukhobor village, the new sidewalks make the courtyard more accessible to wheelchairs.
Project completed: Spring 2015
The Doukhobor Discovery Centre was pleased to introduce their Doukhobor Speaker Series with four Sunday afternoon presentations hosted inside the Audio/Visual Building.
Doukhobor speakers included Edna Sapriken, who spoke about growing up on Vancouver Island in Hilliers, BC, Elmer Verigin, who shared animated stories of growing up in Saskatchewan, JJ Verigin, who shared memories of being a Doukhobor youth, the experiences of his life and where the Doukhobor life has taken him, and Andrew Ozeroff, who shared his experiences of growing up in the Doukhobor Village of Glade, BC and commuting a reaction ferry over the Kootenay River.
Date: August & September 2018
The Doukhobor Discovery Centre hosted the annual Petrov Dyen (Peter's Day) Burning of Weapons Commemorative event on Sunday, June 24th. The morning began with a traditional Doukhobor prayer service followed by speaker and choral presentations. A wonderful potluck luncheon social wrapped up a successful day which included the surprise presentation of $2500 to the DDC from the Creston Doukhobors.
We also sent greetings to our Brothers and Sisters at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin, Saskatchewan. The PEtrov Dyen celebration in Saskatchewan included a Peter's Day Address written and presented by Jonathan J. Kalmakoff, detailing the deep history, religious, spiritual and cultural meanings, and rich traditions associated with this day. To read the Address, please click here.
Date: June 2017
An Open House weekend with free admission at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre celebrating Culture Days BC: "Create - Participate - Share" and the last day of our 45th season.
Date: September 2016
Dr Pastor George Takashima brought guests from Alberta for a tour of the Doukhobor Discovery Centre and a presentation of "Thanks" to the Doukhobor Community for their support in 1942 of produce to the Japanese Internees in preparation for the upcoming winter after they were hastily relocated to the West Kootenay area. Guest speakers shared their memories of the time and attendees enjoyed a potluck picnic.
Date: September 2016
To coincide with Castlegar's "Come Home to Castlegar" homecoming event, the Doukhobor Discovery Centry hosted a reading and signing of Evenings With Emma, a new book by author Annie B Barnes. The event also served as a fundraiser for the DDC's archive shelving for books.
Date: July 2016
The tables were set in the Audio Visual Building of the Doukhobor Museum for a catered dinner hosted by the Communities in Bloom Committee during the visit from International CiB Judges.
Date: July 2016