Oral History Theatre

The Qualicum Beach Museum has two short documentaries based on recordings of local oral histories of Qualicum Beach. The making of these involved interviewing several descendants of local pioneers, videotaping the interviews, and compiling countless hours of amazing stories and collective memories.

Funding for this groundbreaking project was received through a grant from the New Horizons for Seniors Program of the federal government. The project has been such a huge success that plans are already underway to apply for another grant to continue this vital project.

In the words of 105-year-old Helen Eggersman, one of the pioneers interviewed for this project, “I donʼt know where the time goes … itʼs just gone!” Which is why the Museum has taken on this vital project to preserve the stories of Qualicum Beach for future generations.

The two videos entitled ʻGrowth of Qualicum Beachʼ and ʻThe Qualicum Beach Hotel & General Moneyʼ highlight the growth of our town from a small landholding to what it is today. Qualicumʼs colourful history as the playground of the rich and famous, when stars such as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Rita Hayworth were regular visitors to the Hotel, is brought to life alongside the development of a thriving community. Residents, their guests, and visitors are invited to visit the museum to see this exciting exhibit and learn more about our community.