BC’s Gold Rush Town Set to Host Party of the Century (and a Half!)

Imagine… hand-digging through layers of soggy, worthless, frustrating gravel, hoping and praying the next shovel-stroke will expose a fortune in gold.  Twenty feet, thirty feet, forty feet: everyone says it’s crazy, but there’s too much at stake.  Then, just when the outcome seems impossibly bleak, at a depth of fifty-two feet, the ground begins to pay.  The lead is struck, and the greatest creek-side placer gold deposit the world has ever seen is suddenly yours for the taking.

This is Barkerville’s story.

The Cariboo region of British Columbia’s central interior has been profoundly shaped by gold, thanks in large part to a simple, working-class English prospector named Billy Barker. In August 1862, Barker helped spearhead a twenty-year, multi-billion dollar industrial revolution that literally helped to build a Province.   The extraordinary historic town of Barkerville, named in Billy’s honour, now stands as a living testament to these golden beginnings.  Declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1923, and later a Provincial Heritage Site in 1958, Barkerville is now the largest living-history museum in western North America.

“We are proud to be celebrating our 150^th anniversary in 2012,” said James Douglas, Barkerville’s Manager of Visitor Experiences.  “And the year is full of exciting adventures for the more than 65,000 international visitors who flock to ‘BC’s Gold Rush Town’ annually.”

“Many of those visitors remain enamoured with Barkerville long after their trip,” Douglas added. “We are doubly proud to have received our second platinum award as ‘Favourite Historical Site in British Columbia’ in RVwest Magazine’s sixth annual Readers’ Choice Awards.”

The signature event for Barkerville’s year-long sesquicentennial celebrations takes place August 11^th & 12^th, 2012.  This ‘Discovery Day’ weekend will officially commemorate the 150^th anniversary of Billy Barker’s astonishing gold discovery in 1862, and the subsequent birth of Barkerville Historic Town.  During the two day gala visitors to Barkerville will be treated to the triumphant return of the Canadian National Gold Panning Championships, hosted by 5-time World Invitational Gold Panning Champion and lifetime Barkerville resident, Scott Rea.

On Monday, May 21st, Barkerville will kick off its 150^th anniversary season with the annual Victoria Day Royal Tea at the famous Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon and Restaurant. ‘Queen Victoria’ and Her Majesty’s royal escort will be in attendance for several sittings during this popular, historically interpretive event.  Be sure to call 1-888-994-3332 for more details, or visit www.barkerville.ca to keep updated on all the sesquicentennial fun at Barkerville in 2012!

 

Sleigh Bells ring at Barkerville Historic Town

The alpine snow is glistening and jangling bells can be heard jangling throughout BC’s Gold Rush Town, as a horse-drawn sleigh slides around a magnificent winter wonderland… it must be time for Barkerville’s annual Old-Fashioned Victorian Christmas!

This coming weekend Barkerville Historic Town will celebrate a time when the Christmas season was filled with simple pleasures and genuine holiday cheer.

Visitors to Barkerville Saturday through Monday, December 10^th-12^th, will be able to enjoy interpretive displays like the Halverston House Mining Museum, the Nicol Hotel Museum, and the Lee Chong Company Store and Chinese Museum.  Joe and Betty Wendle’s Victorian Home will be open for warming hands and tasting fresh baking, and Christmas baking and lunch will also be available at the Goldfield Bakery.

Christmas shoppers can purchase traditional Victorian gifts for that special someone from the Barkerville Hotel and the Mason and Daly General Store, satisfy their sweet tooth at McMahon’s Confectionary, attend services at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, listen to roaming carolers, and even visit Father Christmas at the Enchanted Forest.  The Visitors Reception Centre will play home to a chorus of spectacular bell ringers at 11 am on Saturday, December 10^th, a local harp and pipe band will follow at noon, and the Quesnel Miniature Club will join the Christmas merriment with an authentic display of Victorian miniature homes and furnishings!

Barnard’s Express will be offering sleigh rides all weekend long, and as an added bonus this year will accept group bookings for private sleigh rides straight through the week until Sunday, December 18^th.  Guests can even stay overnight in one of Barkerville’s popular Bed and Breakfasts, to discover what it was really like to spend the holidays during times gone by.

For more information about Barkerville’s Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas, including bookings for a private, horse-drawn Christmas adventure, please contact Judy Mooring at 1-888-994-3332, ext. 29, or email judy.mooring@barkerville.ca.

Yule treasure the experience!

Pine Beetle Coalitions Support Barkerville’s China Exhibit

What does an exhibit of historic photos travelling to China have to do with diversifying the economy in the central interior and northern British Columbia?  It’s not an obvious connection but it’s one that both the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition and the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, along with Premier Christy Clark, had no trouble realizing.

During the Cariboo Gold Rush, thousands of people from all over the world stampeded up the Fraser River to Barkerville in search of gold. One of the largest migrations was from the Wuyi County district in Guangdong province in southern China.  The Chinese were involved in many mining ventures and businesses.

“The people of Guangdong have played an important role in the history of British Columbia,” said Premier Clark, in a recent release.

“These cultural bridges will also help Northern B.C. develop strong commercial relationships with China, and will showcase Barkerville as a tourist destination.”

Premier Clark, along with Acting Governor of Guangdong Province Zhu Xiaodan, witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Guangdong Museum of Overseas Chinese and Barkerville Historic Town during her recent bi-lateral meeting in China.

The two Beetle Action Coalitions also see the future economic opportunities that can be developed through the exhibit.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition (CCBAC) has funded $50,000 towards the Barkerville China Exhibit recognizing the cultural, tourism and economic links to this area,” said Steve Mazur, Director of the Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition. “Projects like this are helping to mitigate the effects of the mountain pine beetle in our forest dependent communities.”

The City of Prince George supported the project through a successful application to the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition for a $50,000 grant for the development of a satellite exhibit to be gifted to the City of Jiangmen.  The City of Prince George and the City of Jiangmen are pursuing a twinning agreement to further tourism, cultural exchange and economic development opportunities.

“The Omineca Beetle Action Coalition (OBAC) believes that a thriving tourism industry will be a key contributor to a diversified and resilient economy,” said OBAC Chair, Don Bassermann.

“The Who Am I? exhibit will support our member communities in pursuing and benefitting from a regionally integrated and collaborative approach to developing the region’s tourism sector,” he added.

The travelling exhibit will contribute to the achievement of recommendations found in the OBAC Tourism Strategy (www.ominecacoalition.ca); specifically to increase awareness of the nature and value of, and the opportunities associated with, tourism in the region, and to increase tourism in the region by using its features and attractions to full advantage.

Barkerville’s beautifully preserved Chinatown, its Chinese cemetery and its extensive collection of archival records, photographs, and artifacts – many brought to the Cariboo by immigrants from Guangdong – now comprise the oldest and largest collection of Chinese buildings and artifacts in North America. This includes the largest collection of pre-1900 written documents that are specific to North American activities and the oldest Chee Kung Tong building in Canada, which was designated as a National Historic Site in 2009. As western North America’s largest living history museum, Barkerville is indeed rich in Chinese-Canadian history.

The exhibit, entitled Who Am I?, explores the lives of Chinese migrants who came to Barkerville in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the gold rush through photographs, dioramas and an interactive computer terminal. The intent of the exhibit is to reach out to these people’s descendants and gather stories to identify who they were, where they came from and went to, how they lived and when. By doing this, it is hoped that a greater understanding of the Chinese in the Cariboo will be achieved.

“The upcoming exhibit tour shows how our historical and cultural connections with the Chinese strengthen our economic ties now and into the future,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “With this exposure, Chinese visitors are more likely to travel to Northern BC, bringing new dollars to our regional economy.”

There will be a ‘soft opening’ of the exhibit in Prince George at UNBC in June 2012 as part of Barkerville’s Fundraising Gala, and a send-off to China in at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in Vancouver in December 2012.  The exhibit will open at the Hong Kong Museum of History in January 2013, and from there tour to the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum in Guangzhou, and then to the cities of Jiangmen, Kaiping and Taishan, before finding a permanent home in Jiangmen.

The Barkerville Heritage Trust would like to acknowledge and thank the many groups and individuals across the province, but particularly within the regions, that have supported this project.

Employment Opportunity – Marketing and Communications Specialist

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Closing Date:  Wednesday, November 30, 2011

BARKERVILLE HISTORIC TOWN, the largest historic site in Western North America, is seeking a creative, energetic Marketing and Communications Specialist to assist in raising the profile of this important national treasure (www.barkerville.ca).

Barkerville is situated 80 km east of Quesnel, British Columbia in the foothills of the Cariboo Mountains, close to Troll Mountain Ski Resort and Bowron Lake Provincial Park.  The nearby community of Wells (8 km from Barkerville), the service and housing centre for the area (www.wellsbc.com), is itself a dynamic cultural community, home of Island Mountain Arts, the acclaimed Toni Onley Artists’ Project, the International Celtic Harp School (www.imarts.com), the dynamic indie music festival ArtsWells (www.artswells.com), the Sunset Theatre (www.sunset-theatre.com) and is close to a wide variety of winter and summer outdoor activities.

The employer, the Barkerville Heritage Trust (BHT), manages Barkerville on behalf of the Provincial Government.  This is a full-time, year-round position and is subject to the Collective Agreement between the Barkerville Heritage Trust and the BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU).  The successful candidate should be prepared to start the position on February 1, 2012.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Visitor Experiences and Public Relations, the Marketing and Communications Specialist will be responsible for assisting in the continued development and implementation of Barkerville’s marketing plan, including web-based marketing, building and sustaining brand recognition, and developing strategies to increase site visitation.  This position will be based in Barkerville and the successful candidate will acquire and maintain an intimate knowledge of Barkerville and its programming.

Duties

Planning and Marketing

• Work with BHT management team to develop the annual marketing plan and to assist in the management of the annual
  planning cycle
• Assist in the management of a marketing budget of $100,000.00
• Ensure implementation of marketing plan, including placement of all advertising, marketing materials, and trade show
  bookings
• Ensure the implementation of a tourism and marketing research program as outlined in the marketing plan
• Organize Barkerville’s participation in off-site events, parades and trade shows
• Work with management team and other site staff to develop a steady output of story ideas and press releases to media
• Ensure adequate coverage of Barkerville special events, including press releases, advertising before major events,
  follow-up stories and photographic opportunities
• Coordinate web-based, social media, and viral marketing activities including postings on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter,
  blogs, etc.
• Work with the management team, and especially the in-house designer, to ensure all advertising and promotional
  materials are consistent in messaging and design concepts
• Work with the in-house designer, manage off-site billboards and signage,   regularly reviewing locations, and monitoring conditions
• Assist in updating and revising messaging to be included on off-site signage and ensuring consistency with Barkerville’s
  brand image and other creative material

Community and Regional Liaison

• Proactively develop and manage relations with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation, Initiatives Prince George, the District of Wells, local Chambers of Commerce, and other key marketing and economic development organizations
• Represent the site by participating in conferences, meetings, and public speaking engagements
• Develop innovative partnerships and relationships that build new connections and awareness of Barkerville
• Work with Merchants of Barkerville and with the Wells Chamber of Commerce to develop innovative cooperative marketing
  opportunities
• Work with on-site operators, operators in Wells, Bowron Lakes and Quesnel as well as receptive tour operators to develop packages which include Barkerville

Qualifications

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in marketing, communications, or related field of study
• Minimum 3 to 5 years’ experience in tourism or heritage marketing
• In-depth working knowledge of the key marketing organizations relevant to Barkerville, including DMOs, Chambers of
  Commerce, andTourismBC
• Advanced computer fluency including word processing, spread sheets and web development
• Creative and innovative approach, with proven ability to think ‘outside of the box’
• Proven ability to analyse, plan, initiate and complete projects in a timely fashion
• Superlative writing and communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Valid BC driver’s licence

Salary Range

This is a Union position (BCGEU) at the hourly rate of $28.47, plus benefits.

To Apply:

Send letter, resume and portfolio samples to (email correspondence preferred) by midnight on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 to:

Judy Campbell

Chief Executive Officer

Barkerville Historic Town

Box 19, Barkerville, BC,V0K 1B0

250.994.3302 ext 23

toll free: 1.888.994.3332 ext 23

judy.campbell@barkerville.ca

www.barkerville.ca

Follow our blog: barkerville.wordpress.com

On Twitter: @barkervillebc

Watch: http://youtube.com/barkervilletv

Iona Campagnolo to Serve as Honourary Patron of Barkerville

The Barkerville Heritage Trust is tremendously pleased to announce The Honourable Iona Campagnolo, P. C., O. C., O. B. C. as inaugural Honourary Patron of Barkerville Historic Town.

“As an influential and respected Canadian, Iona is a woman of many roles and, among them, many ‘firsts’,” said Sue Morhun, Chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. “We are genuinely thrilled that Iona is adding another by joining us at this significant time in Barkerville’s history – its 150th anniversary in 2012.

“As an iconic champion of the North, and with an unwavering commitment to excellence, Iona will help advance Barkerville with its ‘no small dreams’ at a time when we are creating a vibrant and sustainable future.”

Campagnolo, the first woman to be named Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, is a lifelong supporter of BC’s heritage.

“I am pleased to be joining the women and men associated with The Barkerville Heritage Trust as an Honourary Patron,” she said. “We are charged with keeping faith with all those individuals who helped to create and build the rich legacy that we and future generations inherit.

“In all our diversity of backgrounds, complicated beginnings and bright promises for tomorrow, B. C. remains unique in Canada. Sustaining that special trust demanded by our shared past is what Barkerville is all about. It is a joy to be associated with a living, breathing evocation of ‘who we were’ 150 years ago and how we came to be who we are today.”

Barkerville Historic Town, the largest and most significant living history museum in western North America, was the undisputed centre of the Cariboo Gold Rush. The site is owned by the Province of British Columbia and managed on their behalf by the Barkerville Heritage Trust, a non-profit society and registered charity. Barkerville, a designated Provincial Heritage Site, has three National Historic Site of Canada designations. Barkerville is the anchor tourism destination in central and northern BC, drawing on average 66,000 visitors per season and creating an annual economic impact of $16.9M.

The Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon – An Exciting Business Opportunity

Barkerville Historic Town is looking for a creative restaurateur or chef to develop a unique British Columbian culinary experience with a distinct Cariboo Gold Rush flavour. The Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon should endeavour to interpret the essence of late-19^th century cuisine, including standard gold rush fare, for the palates of a 21^st century family.

Barkerville Historic Town is currently seeking expressions of interest and statements of qualifications and experience for the operation of the Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon.  The successful proponent will:

• Be a creative individual willing to work hard to build an innovative and exceptional product
• Show an ability to bring together a reliable management team containing a strong blend of business and culinary skills
• Craft an atmosphere reminiscent of a ‘more refined’ establishment in Barkerville during the 19^th-century gold rush through creative décor, costuming, presentation of staff, etc.
• Develop a menu that is both distinctive and appealing to 21^st century visitors, while at the same time having clear historical links to 19^th century British Columbia – from the availability of certain ingredients, to the manner of service and presentation of the time, to the cultural backgrounds of the  proprietors, or to other culinary trends of the times (for example, the introduction of curries to England that came about during the colonial presence in India)
• Present menu options that will provide the best value possible, and appeal to visitors throughout an assortment of global economic circumstances
• Develop a menu and atmosphere that can maintain strong local and regional support through initiatives such as excellent coffee and breakfast specials, staff and contractor incentive programs, or packaged dinner and theatre specials
• Provide excellent references

The Wells-Barkerville-Bowron Lakes area (www.wellsbc.com) is a renowned tourism destination, home to Bowron Lake Provincial Park, Barkerville Historic Town, the Wells-Barkerville Mountain Trails Network, and a variety of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities and wilderness adventures, including hiking, trail riding and mountain biking (www.wellsbarkervilletrails.com), camping, canoeing and kayaking, wildlife viewing, Alpine and Nordic skiing (www.trollresort.com), snowmobiling (www.snowmobilewells.com), and more.  

The small mountain community of Wells, British Columbia has also gained a reputation as a world-class cultural and artistic destination, complete with vibrant building facades, abundant art galleries, two live professional theatres (www.sunset-theatre.com and www.theatreroyal.ca), the Island Mountain Arts School of the Arts (www.imarts.com), and the extraordinary ArtsWells Festival (www.artswells.com).

Barkerville Historic Town (www.barkerville.ca and www.barkervilleisfun.ca), located just 8km from Wells, is owned by the Province of British Columbia and managed by the Barkerville Heritage Trust, a registered charity.  Barkerville’s social and economic significance as the centre of the 1860s Cariboo Gold Rush – which solidified British dominion over the west coast and strongly contributed to the formation ofCanada as a sovereign nation “from sea to sea” – was recognized in 1923 when the entire settlement was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.  Barkerville remained a boom and bust gold mining town until 1958, at which time its citizens convinced the Government of British Columbia to make Barkerville a protectedProvincialPark.  Barkerville is the now largest “living history” heritage attraction in westernNorth America.  Today more than 100 heritage buildings remain, brought to life by period and museum displays, costumed historical interpreters, the cast and crew of the Theatre Royal and a variety of exhilarating visitor experiences such as gold-panning, blacksmithing, and stagecoach rides. 

The Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon first opened in Barkerville in the early 1860s, and operated into the 1870s.  In 1960, a reproduction building was constructed on the original site that closely resembled a photo taken in 1871, in order to house a 60+ seat, Victorian-style restaurant.  The Wake Up Jake now operates as a private business withinBarkerville Historic Town, and its facilities are provided by the Barkerville Heritage Trust in return for a percentage of the gross annual revenues of its operation (althoughBarkerville Historic Town is open May to September, off-season catering opportunities may be developed).

A response is required by the closing date of Monday, October 31^st, 2011 to be placed on the Qualified Bidders’ List.  For more information, please contact Matthias Koch, Corporate Services Manager, at matthias.koch@barkerville.ca, or phone 1-888-994-3332, ext. 28.

Tonight: Vancouver Opera in Schools presents Hansel & Gretel at Barkerville’s Theatre Royal, September 24