Chilliwack – The CFB Chilliwack Historical Society Museum had it’s Grand Opening at it’s new Wellington Avenue Downtown digs on Saturday afternoon. Right off the bat, the museum was packed with vets, friends and family.
CFB Historial Society Past President Jim Harris cut the ceremonial cake and reminded everyone that the society, while started in 2000 and recently held its 18th birthday, was not totally in the clear.
Even though the museum now as a location that is easy to access, the rent is 5 times that of the previous location (Hocking Avenue, in the basement of the Masonic Hall). The Museum can not run on its own and needed volunteers and monetary donations.
Executive Director Rachel Doucette praised all those who had given their time to the maintenance of the museum and the collection and care taking of artifacts.
Dianne While, whose late husband was a veteran, showed up just in time to donate a wooden crest found on one of the old CFB Chilliwack mess tent wooden chairs.
CFB Chilliwack was shut down by Ottawa in 1997. The Canadian Military Education Centre (CMEC) Museum closed in 2015 (at UFV). Those vehicles and major displays remain in storage in a facility in Surrey.
