The Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Society

Our mission is to present preserve and promote the maritime heritage of port alberni barkley sound and vancouver island's west coast. Presentation is addressed through two small museum galleries. The 'hutcheson gallery' houses several changing exhibitions. Maritime discovery centre in the lighthouse building focuses on summer programs for children and youth - 'hands on' fun and a sense of adventure of learning about our local maritime history and heritage' is very much part of its exhibits. We also maintain heritage lookouts along the pier that allow visitors to compare the harbour's past and present. Preservation includes artifacts in our galleries and heritage vessels restored maintained and displayed by volunteers. Promotion is directed at three audiences: children and youth in our summer programs; tourists; and local citizens at our maritime heritage nights winter programs.