Gerry Beltgens Special to the Chronicle
The annual gathering of Ladysmith’s history buffs comes with an extra layer of interest this year.
Not only will there be the usual Ladysmith & District Historical Society reports and elections; there will be a featured presentation by respected author, editor and First Nations historical expert Alan L. Hoover.
Hoover spent 33 years at the Royal British Columbia Museum, working with Northwest Coast Indigenous Peoples cultural materials. He worked in the RBCM’s anthropology collections and retired in 2003 as manager of the department.
He recently published “Southern Northwest Coast Indigenous Canoe Racing: A Brief History” (2018), edited the anthology “Nuu-chah-nulth Voices, Histories, Objects & Journeys” (2000) and co-authored with Eugene Arima “The Whaling People of the West Coast of Vancouver Island and Cape Flattery” (2011) among other works.
For anyone interested in learning more about the maritime history of the West Coast First Nations the April 16 Ladysmith & District Historical Society annual general meeting is a must-attend event.
Along with Hoover’s presentation there will also be an update on the Museum, Archives and the Industrial Heritage Preservation Group Site. There will also be a “walk and talk” on the history of the Mason’s Building.
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the St. John’s Masonic Lodge, No. 21, 26 Gatacre Street, Ladysmith. Refreshments are served.
Come early to get a seat in the limited space in the hall. Or call 250-245-0100 to book a seat.