Kamloops Museum and Archives

Overview

Regional History and Records

Collection: Over 20,000 artifacts and extensive archives
Operator: City of Kamloops
Focus: Secwépemc heritage and colonial history

The Kamloops Museum and Archives (KMA) is a municipal institution dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Thompson-Nicola region. Operated by the City of Kamloops, it serves as the primary repository for public records, historical documents, and artifacts in the area. The archives are a critical resource for researchers, offering access to municipal records, photographs, maps, and genealogy files that date back to the fur trade era. 📜🏛️

Established in 1937, the KMA is one of the oldest museums in the British Columbia Interior. It actively collects materials from Kamloops and neighbouring communities that lack their own archival facilities. The building features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that interprets the history of the Secwépemc Nation, the Hudson’s Bay Company, and the development of the modern city. The archives section is open to the public by appointment or during specific hours for research purposes. 🔎🏺

Visitor Services

Research: Access to historical newspapers and city directories.
Education: Children’s museum and school programs.
Accessibility: Fully accessible facility in downtown Kamloops.

Located on Seymour Street, the museum provides a tangible link to the past for residents and tourists. It operates with a mandate to be an inclusive space for learning and memory preservation, managed directly by the municipal government. 🇨🇦🏢