The Yellowknife Historical Society and its members are committed to preserving the story of Yellowknife, including its social, cultural, economic, and natural history. It operates a community-driven museum at the old Giant Mine in Yellowknife. The Society is governed by a volunteer board of directors and activities are managed by a paid Museum Manager. It is a registered non-profit society and has charitable status.
The Society has a broad individual and corporate membership base through which it obtains funding and support for its projects. It also applies for government grants and funding. Projects include: production of heritage-themed merchandise for fundraising efforts, collection and inventorying of artifacts and mining equipment, development of interpretive outdoor displays, production of heritage resource books and promotion of earth sciences, and renovations to its structures at Giant Mine, where the museum is located. Please visit the Get Involved page for more information on how you can contribute to our projects and for a listing of our sponsors to date.
The Yellowknife museum celebrates the unique community that began when the first gold prospectors came north in the 1930s. But the story of Yellowknife is more than just the gold-era settlers. It is a rich tapestry of indigenous culture living on the north shore of Great Slave Lake for thousands of years, combined with the arrival of newcomers throughout the period as Yellowknife grew from mining outpost to a business supply centre and government hub. It is also a place of natural beauty and spectacular geology. The museum offers a main exhibit hall with tea room, gift shop, and archives/library. It also includes extensive outdoor displays utilizing vintage machinery from Yellowknife's closed gold mines and historic structures.
The site is only a few minute drive from downtown Yellowknife. It is adjacent to a commercial marina (Great Slave Cruising Club), public boat launch, the Baker Creek Interpretive Site (a popular recreational fishing area) and the Giant Mine townsite. It is within a picturesque valley surrounding by high volcanic ridges on the shore of beautiful Great Slave Lake. There is an outdoor display of underground and surface mining machinery and other outdoor interpretive displays. It is a lovely spot to stop and have a look around, take photos, and enjoy a picnic.
Click here for a brochure about our museum project.
Our strategic plan follows a specific road map that will make sure the Society reaches its goals.
MISSION:
The Yellowknife Historical Society preserves and promotes awareness of local community history for residents and visitors.
VISION STATEMENT:
There is a community-driven and thriving museum with a focus on Yellowknife's community history that engages residents and visitors by providing learning opportunities for all.
Yellowknife Historical Society
Box 1856 Yellowknife NT X1A 2P4
Email address: info@yellowknifehistory.com
Banner photo: Johnny Vu / Yellowknife Historical Society / NWT Tourism
Board Photo: Davia Nelson / Outcrop