Chances are, if there is something you want to know about historical accounts in the Okanagan, the Okanagan Historical Reports will probably have a story about it.
Though personal letters and diaries have always been invaluable to understanding and appreciating the past, much of the research and displays around the SS Sicamous have relied on another, more local, treasure - the Okanagan Historical Society. Beginning in 1925, the society's devotion to saving and sharing our area's history has lasted for almost a hundred years! Not only does it support local historians and work on educating the public on their local history, but the annual publication of historical reports has brought with them a new way to learn about history, often from those who were a part of it!
Okanagan Historical Society Annual Reports have been published since 1926 - and we would know, since we have a copy of each (thanks to Touchstones Museum in Nelson, who shared their extra copies)! They consist of a variety of authors writing down the occurrences before or during their time that they deem important enough for others in the future to read, from Indigenous stories, tales of political or social conflict within and between settlements, and details on the lives and actions of local influential figures. The historical nature of both the subjects and the writers gives those of the present a new understanding and ability to relate to that which we just read in history books - and learn a lot more than expected!
For more information, check out the Okanagan Historical Society's website!
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