About us

The chances that long-time residents know something about their community’s heritage are likely higher in the North Shuswap because of the 41 years of work that their historical society has put into preserving history. I joined the North Shuswap Historical Society in 1986, a year after it formed, and was delighted to learn from and work with these sons and daughters of the original pioneers, along with a teacher at the Celista School and the renowned historians, Philip and Helen Akrigg, who had a summer cabin in Celista.

During those early years, we worked to build the archives, interview elders, and identify and share the locations of heritage sites. In addition to my ongoing local history research for my columns in the Chase Tribune, I copied hundreds of historical photos using my SLR camera and lights. It was likely in 1987 that we began to discuss about producing a publication and I suggested we do a yearly journal, which is when the Shuswap Chronicles project began.

The first volume of Shuswap Chronicles was published in 1988 and included articles about the sternwheeler days, fall fairs, the Shuswap Lake ferry, George Mercer Dawson, and Harry Fowler, the community’s first pioneer. In the centre, is a map showing the locations of historical buildings along with photos. I co-edited the first two volumes along with Celista teacher, Mary Zoretich. Only a few of my articles appeared in volumes three and four, as I was too involved with environmental work to continue my involvement with the historical society. Many of my early writings were incorporated into volume one of Everything Shuswap.

Over the succeeding years, the society published 12 volumes of the Chronicles, all filled with excellent articles about this region’s rich history. In 2001, North Shuswap native, Loretta Greenough (nee Zinck) retired from teaching and returned home. She soon became very involved in the community including the Historical Society as the president and the editor of the Chronicles. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its scope and impact in the community.

Inside her home, Loretta stored the society archives, which she continued to organize as well as digitize documents and photos. Additionally, Loretta with help from her husband Tom and society members, moved three log cabins to her property to create T&L Reflections – A Little Museum that was filled with donated antique tools, household items and furniture. Sadly, Loretta passed away in 2024, leaving all her work, as well as a sizeable donation to the historical society.

Now the society is now under the leadership of another pioneer grandchild, Frank Riley with other pioneer family members on the board of directors. They have an enormous task ahead, as they need to soon move the archives, along with the log museum and an additional container filled with more antiques to what will hopefully become a permanent location. In the interim, a portable office building has been set-up to house the archives.

The 2023 firestorm laid waste to several old historical sites and buildings, including the old barns in Scotch Creek and the Squilax General Store. It also created an opportunity to improve community services, as the now vacant CSRD property where the former firehall stood is available. There is a plan for a building that would provide space for the Chamber of Commerce, and other community groups including the Historical Society. As well, there is a plan to move one of the heritage cabins to the property for a museum that could see many visitors throughout the year.

With the world changing so rapidly now, it is important to continue to preserve and to better understand our collective history. The North Shuswap is fortunate to have so many pioneer families still living on their properties, where some of the original buildings remain standing. As well, we can appreciate the efforts of those who strive to record and tell the stories of those who worked tirelessly to build our resilient community that continues to thrive today.