Yale Historic Site Property
Yale Historic Site Property
The Heart Of Gold Rush History
The Yale Historic Site serves as the main interpretive centre for the three historic properties that make up this nationally significant heritage site. As the gateway to exploring the rich history of Yale and the Fraser Canyon, this property brings the stories of the Gold Rush, Indigenous peoples, and the diverse communities that shaped the region to life. From the immersive Creighton House Museum and the recreated 1850s Tent City to the historic St. John the Divine Church and outdoor exhibits, the Yale Historic Site offers visitors a dynamic and engaging experience that connects the past with the present.
Creighton House Museum
A Window Into Yale’s Past
Built in 1870, the Creighton House Museum is the heart of the Yale Historic Site, offering visitors an in-depth look at the town’s rich and complex history. Originally a family home, this historic building now houses exhibits that explore the Fraser River Gold Rush, Indigenous history, Chinese contributions to Yale, and the lives of the people who called this town home.
The museum features five exhibit rooms, each carefully curated to present different aspects of Yale’s past. Visitors can explore artifacts, archival photographs, and interactive displays that bring history to life. The museum also serves as the site’s visitor center and gift shop, where guests can find unique souvenirs, books, and locally crafted goods.
1850s Tent City
Reliving the Gold Rush Boom
During the height of the Fraser River Gold Rush, 30,000+ prospectors flooded into Yale, transforming it into one of the largest settlements in British Columbia. The 1850s Tent City recreates the makeshift camps that once lined the riverbanks, where miners, merchants, and travellers lived in canvas tents and simple wooden structures.
Step inside to explore the daily realities of miners and traders. Period-authentic staging and interpretive displays bring their stories to life, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced in this rapidly growing frontier town. Through these recreated spaces, visitors can experience the daily life that defined the early days of Yale.
St John the Divine Church
A Sacred Landmark
Built in 1863, St John the Divine Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in British Columbia and a testament to Yale’s deep-rooted history. This beautifully preserved Anglican church remains a place of reflection, showcasing its original wooden pews, stained glass windows, and historic artifacts that have been part of the building for over a century.
Inside, visitors will find an exhibit dedicated to liturgical textiles, featuring meticulously crafted vestments, altar cloths, and ceremonial garments used in worship. These textiles highlight the artistry and spiritual significance of religious traditions in early Yale, offering a unique perspective on the church’s role in the community.
Outdoor Exhibits
Exploring Yale’s Historic Landscape
The outdoor exhibit space brings history to life through engaging, interactive experiences set against the backdrop of this storied landscape. Visitors can explore the ruins of the old rectory, a remnant of the Anglican minister’s residence that once stood beside the St John the Divine Church, offering a glimpse into 19th-century Yale.
For those eager to experience the Gold Rush firsthand, the interactive gold panning station provides a hands-on opportunity to try their luck at finding “real” gold. Nearby, the Heritage At Risk Pavilion highlights the risks facing heritage sites due to environmental changes, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in historic preservation.
