In an effort to preserve historic value, Mission Museum is restoring its roof with era-specific cedar shingles and cleaning its exterior walls. The project started earlier in November and will be completed by early 2023.
“Like Mission itself, our museum is small, but impressive,” said Mayor Paul Horn in a news release. “The Mission District Historical Society has done an excellent job of capturing and preserving our history, both outside and inside the museum. Restoring the roof is a critical step in making sure that we maintain the heart of our downtown and preserve our heritage.”
The downtown building was constructed on First Avenue in 1907 before moving to its current home on Second Avenue in 1947. The location was previously used as a bank and a library before housing Mission’s museum. It was made from a prefabricated kit purchased from the British Columbia Mills, Timber and Trading Company and is one of many community landmarks across North America built in a similar style.
“As the first designated heritage building in Mission, the Museum building is a valuable asset to the community,” museum manager Jennifer Nundal sais in a statement. “The building itself is one of many prized artifacts entrusted to the care of staff at Mission Museum, and the preservation of this building is inextricably linked to the preservation of the artifacts within.”
The restoration is part of a larger plan to conserve historical sites. The project was funded through the province’s Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
Mission Museum may be temporarily closed during construction.