Helmcken House Becomes A Museum

The preservation of Helmcken House was entirely due to the persistence of Dr W. Kaye Lamb, BC Provincial archivist and the understanding of its historical importance by Dolly Higgins Dr Helmcken’s daughter.  In 1934 Lamb first meet Dolly who was living in the house and carefully preserved its contents in memory of her father.  Dolly intended to have the house destroyed on her death to ensure that it did not fall into unsympathetic hands.  After many visits Lamb put his case for the preservation of Dr. Helmcken’s reminisces and house to Dolly and left it her hands.  Upon her death in 1939 she left a will leaving the house and most of its contents should go the Provincial Government and in 1941 the BC Archives opened Helmcken House as a Museum.   Since that time it has been seen by Thousands of visitors and undergone significant change.  Administered by the Provincial Heritage Branch for many years this important artifact collection has been documented and the house has undergone considerable restoration.

Helmcken House, 1946
BC Archives, I-20581

Helmcken House, 1946
BC Archives, I-26596

Helmcken House, 1950
BC Archives, B-04726

Helmcken House, 1966
BC Archives, I-20796

Helmcken House, 1971
BC Archives, I-26594

Helmcken House, 2005

RBCM 2005c318009