Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens
2616 Pleasant St. V8T 4V3 Victoria, BC, Canada

Yesterday, our Executive Director was on CBC's All Points West show to discuss our South Garden rehabilitation project. Take a listen! https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-93/clip/15812960 . . #VisitPEH #PointElliceHouse #PEHGardens #HeritageGardens #HouseMuseum #YYJ #VictoriaBC

More transcribed letters are now available on our website! We have uploaded over 100 pages of correspondence between and relating to Kathleen O'Reilly and Henry Stanhope. During the 1890s, Kathleen had two well-known suitors: Captain Robert Scott, who became famous for his Antarctic expedition, and Lt. Commander Henry Stanhope (later, Earl of Chesterfield). Stanhope proposed to her, but she eventually turned him down . . https://pointellicehouse.com//oreilly-stanhope-corres...pond/ . . Image: Lt. Commander Henry Stanhope, PEH.1992.001.3A. . . #PointElliceHouse #VisitPEH #HouseMuseum #KathleenOReilly #EarlofChesterfield #Stanhope #VictoriaBC #YYJ #BCHistory #RoyalNavy #Esquimalt See more

Happy Friday! We hope this sun soaked arbutus brings a smile to your face as we head into the weekend . . #PointElliceHouse #VisitPEH #arbutus #madrona #VictoriaBC #yyj #SelkirkWater #GorgeWaterway #ExploreVictoria

Our brick pathway restoration is complete! This brings us to the end of Phase 1 of our South Garden Rehabilitation Project. Thank-you to Fallingwater Property Services & Landscapes for their excellent restoration and generous support of this project. Phase 2 starts in 2021....stay tuned! . . #VisitPEH #HeritageGardens #HouseMuseum #HeritageConservation #VictoriaBC #YYJ #BCHistory #ExploreVictoria #PointElliceHouse #PEHGardens

Everything in our online store is on sale! Use the coupon code November10 and receive 10% off your purchase! Local pick-up available. PointElliceHouse.com/Store . . Sale ends November 28th #PEHstore #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ #BuyLocal #GiveLocal

It’s a cold and sunny morning at #PointElliceHouse - plus our eagle friends are back! Can you spot the eagle in this photo? . . #VisitPEH #VictoriaBC #yyj #HouseMuseum #HeritageGardens #Sequoia #BaldEagle #ExploreVictoria

New on our blog!

In the late 19th century, smokestacks, coal yards, warehouses, and sealing ships were a common sight on #VictoriaBC's Upper Harbour. Within this unlikely setting, the YMCA established the #PointEllice swimming baths: PointElliceHouse.com/SwimmingBaths . . #YYJ #YMCA #Swimming #BCHistory

Our pathway restoration is coming along - despite the wind and rain! Learn more about the project on our blog: pointellicehouse.com/blog . . #PointElliceHouse #PEHGardens #HeritageGardens #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #HeritageConservation

Believe it or not, the holiday season is just around the corner and now is the time to get your cards and packages in the mail! Please consider buying local and supporting #PointElliceHouse. You will find many unique cards and gifts in our online store: PointElliceHouse.com/Store . . #BuyLocal #GiveLocal #VisitPEH #VictoriaBC #YYJ #HouseMuseum

Our Visitor Experience Coordinator, Jeannine Worthing, recently completed her final research project for her History MA degree. Her 20 minute video is titled: They Have Proved Themselves to be Men: Canadian Soldiers and the Embodiment of Manhood in the First World War. Thanks to Jeannine and UVic Humanities you can now watch it on YouTube #CanadaRemembers #FWW #LestWeForget

The Point Ellice House gift shop is now online! Shop for unique and affordably priced gifts from Victoria's Historic House Museum: PointElliceHouse.com/Store

In our feature exhibit, #SpringsAndScavengers, we highlight the work of scavengers in early Victoria. Members of Victoria's Black community, such as John and William Jackson and Arthur Strong, were prominent in the scavenging business. Strong arrived in Victoria around 1858 and later secured contracts from the City to clean streets and drains. This image of Strong's business card (1860s-70s) is from the City of Victoria Archives . . To learn more about scavengers, check out o...ur YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_78vpLMYQphLNrZtj-mYtA . . #PointElliceHouse #BlackHistory #VictoriaBC #YYJ #BCHistory #HouseMuseum See more

These beautiful cards are handmade and inspired by our collection. Thanks to RandM Cards for creating these one of a kind gifts. Please #BuyLocal and support #PointElliceHouse this holiday season: PointElliceHouse.com/Store . . #VisitPEH #Christmas #VictorianChristmas #VictoriaBC #YYJ

Today at 2pm join us for a virtual tour of the Point Ellice House property. Register here (it's free!): https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca//rbcmoutside-point-ellice-house

Guy Triggs enlisted in 1914 and was wounded twice. He was killed in the final month of the war. A heartbreaking story of remembrance. Lest we forget: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDu1KAnrSxE&feature=youtu.be #CanadaRemembers #FWW #VictoriaBC #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum #Alverstoke #Hants

We are very excited to launch our Point Ellice House Historical Resource Site. The amount of documentary evidence related to life at Point Ellice House is extensive and this site will be a space to collect, organize, and share this information with the public: PointElliceHouse.com/ResourceDocs . . The site is an ongoing project and will be updated regularly - it currently contains a selection of documents (letters, diary entries, recipes) created by the OReilly family during... their occupation of the house. This is the first time these records have been digitized and made available to the public online. A huge thank-you to the staff and volunteers who worked on this project: Jeannine, Rochelle, Tim, Charlotte, Robin, Andrew, and Margot . . #PEHCollection #BCHistory #BCHist #VictoriaBC #YYJ #YYJHistory #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum See more

Todays Royal BC Museum @ Outside at Point Ellice House will be rescheduled due to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. Sign up for email updates from PEH to receive information about this rescheduled event: https://mailchi.mp/5d0c7d455771/pointellicehouseupdates

We are so excited to launch an online gift shop for Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens! In the store you will find a number of unique items, including reproductions of Victorian greeting cards from our collection. We will feature these one of a kind items on social media in the days and weeks ahead. Your purchases support our work at Point Ellice House. Happy shopping! . . #PointElliceHouse #PEHGifts #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ

Today's Royal BC Museum @ Outside at Point Ellice House will be rescheduled due to poor air quality from wildfire smoke. Sign up for email updates from PEH to receive information about this rescheduled event: https://mailchi.mp/5d0c7d455771/pointellicehouseupdates

A foggy start to the day on #SelkirkWater/#GorgeWaterway . . #PointElliceHouse #VictoriaBC #Fog #YYJ

We’re always finding interesting objects around the property. Today, volunteer Tim found this 2oz green Bovril bottle sticking up out of the ground - it probably dates from around the First World War (1914-18) . . #PointElliceHouse #HeritageGardens #HouseMuseum

Join us on October 14th at 2pm for a special Royal BC Museum @ Outside event at #PointElliceHouse. This will be a virtual tour and conversation about the history of this fascinating house and property. Register here (it's free!): https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca//rbcmoutside-point-ellice-house

We would like to extend gratitude and thanks to our neighbour on the Upper Harbour, Ralmax Group, who recently made a significant donation to Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens! Donations help us care for this historic site and are especially helpful as museums across the world face an uncertain future. Ralmax's contribution will allow us to continue to bring the stories of Point Ellice House to our community. Thank-you! . . #PointElliceHouse #VictoriaBC #YYJ #SelkirkWater

The next Royal BC Museum @Outside will be hosted at Point Ellice House on September 16th. Join us for a livestream tour of this National and Provincial Historic site. Register for this free event here: https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca//rbcmoutside-point-ellice-house . . #VisitPEH #VictoriaBC #YYJ #BCHist

In our latest video we discuss the work of scavengers in early Victoria - workers with horse and cart who collected garbage and 'night soil.' The James Bay mudflats, where the Empress Hotel now stands, were a popular dumping ground for both scavengers and residents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMrw5gDHo1g . . #PointElliceHouse #Scavengers #YYJ #VictoriaBC #BCHistory #YYJHistory #JamesBay #EmpressHotel Fairmont Empress

Our latest #SpringsAndScavengers video looks at efforts to expand Victorias water supply and the infrastructure that still dots the landscape. Have you ever visited Smiths Hill Reservoir? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m52Ne5D1ok #VisitPEH #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #BCHist

Its extra smoky in Victoria this morning due to wildfires burning in Washington State. Stay safe out there! . . #VisitPEH #PointElliceHouse #VictoriaBC #WildfireSmoke #YYJ

This morning, Chris from The Davey Tree Expert Company came by to take some of our logs leftover from the South Garden rehabilitation project. The logs will be used by the Vancouver Island Woodworkers Guild Wood Recovery Program which donates a percentage of the wood recovered to schools on Vancouver Island . . #PEHGardens #HeritageGardens #VictoriaBC #YYJ #Woodworking #PointElliceHouse

Today, volunteers spotted a Great Blue Heron and a Coopers Hawk on site. Every day we are reminded of the important role Point Ellice House plays in providing habitat for birds and other wildlife. Visit this Saturday and see what birds you can spot - open 12 to 4 by appointment . . #VisitPEH #HouseMuseum #HeritageGardens #MigratoryBirdSanctuary #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #VictoriaNice #GreatBlueHeron #PointElliceHouse

How did a collection of 19th century military medals end up at Point Ellice House? This week on the blog we uncover Colonel Richard Hare's role in the expansion of the British Empire: https://pointellicehouse.com/the-other-side-of-a-medal . . #VisitPEH #PEHCollection #HouseMuseum #OrderoftheBath #AshanteeMedal #EgyptMedal #OrderofMedjidie #KhedivesStar #VictoriaBC #YYJ #PointElliceHouse

Tomorrow is #OrangeShirtDay, a day to honour Indigenous children who experienced residential schools and to reflect on the continued legacy of the residential school system.

New on our blog! . . Volunteering from Home: Transcription & Description of the Collection https://pointellicehouse.com/volunteering-from-home-trans/ .... . #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #BCHistory #YYJ See more

Our latest #SpringsAndScavengers video looks at efforts to expand Victoria's water supply and the infrastructure that still dots the landscape. Have you ever visited Smiths Hill Reservoir? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m52Ne5D1ok #VisitPEH #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #BCHist

It’s certainly looking like the first day of fall at #PointElliceHouse - leaves everywhere! This big leaf maple was planted a couple of decades ago to replace a maple tree that stood in the same spot during the O’Reilly family period (1867-1975). We’ve got some raking to do! . . #PEHGardens #HeritageGardens #BigLeafMaple #yyj #VictoriaBC

Thank-you to our visitors yesterday who were very understanding when they learned the power was out in our neighbourhood! And thank-you to the BC Hydro crew that got the power back on in the afternoon.

If you havent been to Point Ellice House in a few years, you might be surprised when you see our renovated Visitor Centre and feature exhibit space (designed by Double Dare Design, built by Edda Creative). For a preview of our fresh and modern exhibit space, check out our latest YouTube video https://youtu.be/DVPlmLitg7g

Do you have a favourite hat? This weeks artifact spotlight looks at the once popular "Boater" or straw hat https://pointellicehouse.com/artifact-spotlight-straw-hats/ #VisitPEH #PEHCollection #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum #StrawHat #VictoriaBC #YYJ

Point Ellice House and the families that lived here have inspired a number of authors over the years. The latest writer to draw inspiration from the historic house is Vanessa Winn; she has contributed this guest blog post about her latest novel, Trappings. Vanessa's novel draws inspiration from our first family, Kate and Charles Wentworth Wallace. Pick up this book and others inspired by the house in our Gift Shop! . . #VisitPEH #HouseMuseum #HistoricalFiction #VictoriaBC #YYJ https://pointellicehouse.com/trappings/

The bees are enjoying the sea holly growing around the south verandah. Were open Saturdays 12-4 by appointment! Book online . . #visitpeh #pointellicehouse #housemuseum #heritagegardens #seaholly #victoriabc #victorianice #yyj

There are still some roses blooming in our #heritagegardens! Were closed for a small wedding on the lawn today, but were back next weekend - Saturdays 12-4pm by appointment. Book online . . #visitpeh #pointellicehouse #housemuseum #victoriabc #victorianice #explorevictoria #pinkrose

If you haven't been to Point Ellice House in a few years, you might be surprised when you see our renovated Visitor Centre and feature exhibit space (designed by Double Dare Design, built by Edda Creative). For a preview of our fresh and modern exhibit space, check out our latest YouTube video https://youtu.be/DVPlmLitg7g

Do you have a favourite hat? This week's artifact spotlight looks at the once popular "Boater" or straw hat https://pointellicehouse.com/artifact-spotlight-straw-hats/ #VisitPEH #PEHCollection #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum #StrawHat #VictoriaBC #YYJ

We are excited to announce some new additions to our gift shop! We have digitized these one of a kind prints from our collection: Amazons of the Bow by Lucien Davis, 1885 The Cats Tea Party by Harrison Weir... These prints are available in poster or greeting card format. Only at #PointElliceHouse! Our gift shop is open Saturdays, 12-4. See more

The 50+ Club enjoyed a visit to Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens. The staff opened up on their off day specifically for Our Place 50+ Club, so they could enjoy a physically distanced outing.

Experience one of Victorias hidden gems this summer - Point Ellice House is now open! . . #VisitPEH #HeritageGardens #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaNice #VictoriaBC #HouseMuseum

We have created an interactive map to accompany our feature exhibit, Springs And Scavengers: Waste and Water in Victoria, 1842-1915. If you're familiar with Greater Victoria, you may recognize some of the locations - check it out! https://pointellicehouse.com/springs-scavengers-interactiv/ . . #VisitPEH #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaBC #YYJ #HouseMuseum

Were open this Saturday from 12 to 4! Admission by appointment - book now on our website or give us a call. Your appointment reserves our new exhibit for your personal enjoyment! Plus, 2 acres of heritage gardens to enjoy - with plenty of room for social distancing! . . #VisitPEH #SpringsAndScavengers #pointellicehouse #housemuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ #HeritageGardens #VictoriaNice

Parts of the Drawing Room bay window at PEH are hollow. Inside, there are weights and cords that operate the opening and closing of the windows. However, these cavities are very appealing to woodpeckers! This morning we caught a hairy woodpecker making a new hole. The work never ends at a #HouseMuseum! . . #VisitPEH #HairyWoodpecker #BuiltHeirtage #HistoricWindows #PointElliceHouse

There are still a few appointments available for a visit to Point Ellice House today. Were open 12 to 4 and you can book a visit up to 1 hour in advance. Check out what times are available - and book your visit - on our website: PointElliceHouse.com/Make-An-Appointment . . #VisitPEH #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaBC #ExploreVictoria #VictoriaNice #HouseMuseum

Experience one of Victoria's hidden gems this summer - Point Ellice House is now open! . . #VisitPEH #HeritageGardens #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaNice #VictoriaBC #HouseMuseum

Visiting this month? Ask our volunteers to show you the artifact of the month - a 19th century hip or Sitz bath from our collection. . . #VisitPEH #pointellicehouse #HouseMuseum #HipBath #SitzBath #VictoriaBC #YYJ #VictoriaNice #ExploreVictoria #SpringsAndScavengers

There are still a few appointments available for a visit to Point Ellice House today. We're open 12 to 4 and you can book a visit up to 1 hour in advance. Check out what times are available - and book your visit - on our website: PointElliceHouse.com/Make-An-Appointment . . #VisitPEH #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaBC #ExploreVictoria #VictoriaNice #HouseMuseum

Did you know Victoria dumped its garbage into the ocean from 1892 until 1958? Learn more on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/Djy7_qY1Xjw or by booking a visit to our latest exhibit, #SpringsAndScavengers, on now!

Enjoying a stay-cation this long weekend? Visit Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens! Pack a picnic and come by this Saturday to experience one of Victoria's hidden gems. Admission by appointment - book now: https://pointellicehouse.com/reopen-faq/

Do you enjoy a sparkling beverage during these hot summer days? Historically, soda and mineral waters were a popular way to guarantee safe drinking water. Learn more at our latest blog post --- Mineral and Soda: Bottled Water in Victorias Past -- https://pointellicehouse.com/mineral-and-soda-bottled-wate/ . . Be sure to visit our new exhibit, #SpringsAndScavengers. We're open Saturdays, 12 to 4, by appointment. Book your visit on our website! .... . Image left to right: Old English Beverage Co. [1926-1954]; Thorpe & Co. [1891-1924]; Kirk & Co. [1908-1914]; Crystal Springs Soda Water [1928-1952]. (Photo courtesy Tom Bown) . . #VisitPEH #PointElliceHouse #PEHBlog #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #SodaWater See more

There are still a few appointments left for a visit to Point Ellice House this Saturday! Youll have the exhibit space all to yourself - plus our knowledgeable volunteers will be around our heritage gardens to answer your questions. Come check out on of Victorias hidden gems! Book now: https://pointellicehouse.com/make-an-appointment/ #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaBC #VictoriaNice #YYJ

Point Ellice House is the setting for many books. We are happy to share videos of local authors Edeana Malcolm and Vanessa Winn reading from their new historical novels - "The House of Crows" https://youtu.be/5dYTm4lGv6E and "Trappings" https://youtu.be/UvVgOwq0IHg - both take place at Point Ellice House! . . #VisitPEH #TheHouseofCrows #Trappings #HouseMuseum #yyjarts #bchist #historicalfiction #VictoriaBC #yyj

A Gold Flame honeysuckle (Lonicera heckrottii) entwines itself around the south verandah. This is a historical replant - we know the OReilly family had a honeysuckle in this spot, but it did not survive and was replanted in the 1980s. The gardens at PEH are part of our National and Provincial historic site designations - they are a living exhibit! Come tour the grounds on Saturdays from 12-4. Admission by appointment - book on our website or give us a call . . #PEHGardens #VisitPEH #HeritageGardens #PointElliceHouse #VictoriaBC #VictoriaNice #Yyj #ExploreVictoria #Honeysuckle

There are still a few appointments left for a visit to Point Ellice House this Saturday! You'll have the exhibit space all to yourself - plus our knowledgeable volunteers will be around our heritage gardens to answer your questions. Come check out on of Victoria's hidden gems! Book now: https://pointellicehouse.com/make-an-appointment/ #SpringsAndScavengers #VictoriaBC #VictoriaNice #YYJ

From 1892 to 1959, Victoria dumped its garbage into the ocean. Our latest video discusses the history of the Telegraph Street garbage wharf. Learn more about water and waste in Victoria by visiting our new exhibit, #SpringsAndScavengers - we're open by appointment on Saturdays from 12-4. . . https://youtu.be/Djy7_qY1Xjw .... . #VisitPEH #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ See more

New on our blog -- Wash Your Hands: Interpreting a Bar of Soap https://pointellicehouse.com/barsoap/ . . #PEHCollection #SpringsAndScavengers #VisitPEH #PearsSoap #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ

All of our appointments are booked for tomorrow (July 18th). Thanks, Victoria! There are still spots available for upcoming Saturdays this summer. Visit our website to book your visit . . #VisitPEH #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #yyj #VictoriaNice #ExploreVictoria #HeritageGardens

What in the world is a celery vase? Our latest blog post investigates! https://pointellicehouse.com/what-in-the-world-is-a-celery/ . . #VisitPEH #PEHCollection #CeleryVase #PointElliceHouse #HouseMuseum #HeritageGardens #PEHGardens #VictoriaBC #YYJ #BCHist #BCHistory

Clematis for days . . #PEHGardens #VisitPEH #PointElliceHouse #heritagegarden #clematis #housemuseum #VictoriaBC #yyj

It was lovely to show Laurel Collins, MP for Victoria around our new exhibit and Point Ellice House recently. As a Provincial Heritage Site and National Historic Site, we always appreciate when our elected officials take the time to come see what we are up to! Book your visit today: https://pointellicehouse.com/make-an-appointment/

Our new garden shed from Outdoor Living Today is finished! This cedar shed is part of our South Garden rehabilitation and gives our Head Gardener and volunteers a bright, roomy, and secure place to work from. Were open by appointment on Saturdays, 12-4, if you want to come take a closer look . . #PEHGardens #HeritageGardens #VisitPEH #PointElliceHouse #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria

This week students and instructors from Pacific Horticulture College came by #PointElliceHouse to help in the gardens. They trimmed laurels, cleaned up pathways, and made everything look very sharp! A huge thank-you to the students, Instructor Jo, and our Head Gardener Sheila who made this possible! Interested in helping in our #HeritageGardens? Fill out a volunteer application on our website . . #PEHGardens #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #VisitPEH

Just two appointments left for this Saturday, July 11th. Book your visit to see our new exhibit and our beautiful grounds . . #VisitPEH #PEHGardens #SpringsAndScavengers #HouseMuseum #VictoriaBC #VictoriaNice #YYJ #ExploreVictoria #HeritageGardens