Roses & Reserves: Public History at Point Ellice House

At Nanaimo Historical Society’s May 13, 2021 general meeting (via Zoom), our guest speaker was  Dr. Kelly Black, Executive Director at Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens.

Point Ellice House, completed in 1862, is one of Victoria’s oldest residences. A national and provincial historic site, and home to the O’Reilly family for more than a century, the house and gardens have welcomed visitors since the
1960s. Until recently, the visitor experience remained largely unchanged – afternoon tea on the lawn being the primary offering. As we re-evaluate dominant narratives of
historical figures and events, how can a museum founded on the celebration of colonial power and privilege challenge its most enduring associations? Dr.  Black provided an introduction to the history of the site and its occupants and explored how new approaches to our understanding of the house museum are being developed.

Watch the Ellice House Museum presentation on YouTube here: