Nicola Valley

Museum & Archives

The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives in Merritt, BC offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history of the Nicola Valley.

Open

Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm

This was the 1st stop on our museum weekend trip, and what a great start. Fantastic museum with great artifacts on a variety topics and historical aspects of the Nicola Valley.

Rod M.
Lake Country
Early automobiles on a Merritt street, historic photograph
About us

Our Mission

The Nicola Valley Museum & Archives supports and advocates for the heritage sector of the Merritt and Nicola Valley region through education, training and skills development, capacity building in heritage planning, and funding through the Heritage Legacy Fund.

We are passionate about building links between heritage conservation and tourism, economic and environmental sustainability, community pride and an appreciation of our common history.

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Plan Your Visit

Located at 1675 Tutill Ct, directly behind the Railyard Mall, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the people, industries, and indigenous cultures that have shaped the valley over the years.

Pioneer kitchen display at the Nicola Valley Museum

Museum Tours

The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives in Merritt, BC offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history of the Nicola Valley.

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Pump organ and period furnishings display

Tour Bus Operators

Welcome to Merritt, BC - the perfect stopover destination for tour bus groups traveling between Vancouver and Banff!

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The Adelphi Hotel, historic photograph

Museum & Archives

The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives have established the most comprehensive collection of artifacts, archival records and historical reference material relating to Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

Discover our rich history

Museum display

Museum Exhibits & Displays

The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives features a stunning array of historic displays and exhibits, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the past.

First Nations family in traditional clothing, historic photograph

First Nations

The Nicola Valley Museum & Archives offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and culture of the local First Nations communities through its collection of indigenous artifacts.

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Mining display with tools, models and photographs

Mining

Gain a deeper understanding of the important role mining has played in the Nicola Valley, as well as the challenges and environmental impact faced by the industry.

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Early Logging & Sawmilling display

Forestry

Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the important role forestry has played in the Nicola Valley and the impact it has on the local economy, as well as the challenges and environmental impact faced by the industry.

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Ranching display with historic photographs

Ranching

Ranching has a long history in Merritt and the Nicola Valley, dating back to the late 1800s.

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Nicola Valley history

Explore our History

The history of Merritt, BC and the Nicola Valley is a rich and fascinating one, with a diverse range of people, industries, and cultures coming together to shape the region over the years.

From the archives

Blog Posts

George McLean

George McLean

George McLean was the son of Angele Chilihitzia, of the Upper Nicola Band, and Allen McLean, an outlaw who would be hanged for murder in January of 1881. George grew up...

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Opening of the Merritt Lawn Bowling Green, May 25, 1925

Merritt Bowling Green

On Monday May 25th, 1925, Merritt’s first Lawn Bowling Green was opened on James Fairley’s Property on Nicola Avenue. The Merritt Herald listed the price for a seasonal...

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Zack Walker, manager and promoter of the 1934 Merritt stampede

The First Rodeo

On a sunny Friday and Saturday the first rodeo, or stampede, was held here in Merritt in 1934. This was made possible by the efforts of Zack Walker (Pictured below,...

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The Nicola Valley Museum & Archives building at 1675 Tutill Court, Merritt, with its murals
Find us

1675 Tutill Court, Merritt, BC

Located at 1675 Tutill Ct, directly behind the Railyard Mall, the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the people, industries, and indigenous cultures that have shaped the valley over the years.

  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed