Heritage Week in BC 2013 with Vancouver Heritage Foundation

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is celebrating Heritage Week in BC (February 18th to 24th) by hosting a series of events that shine a spotlight on our local history.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Chinatown: Why is it a National Historic Site?
Historian John Atkin and Planner Jeannette Hlavach lead this lecture about Chinatown and the process and significance of becoming a National Historic landmark. Tickets are $12 and the event will be held at the University Women’s Club at Hycroft, McRae Avenue from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Tickets are available online in advance.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Philosopher’s Café – Why Do We Worry About Heritage?
Co-presenting with Jewish Museum & Archives of BC
John Atkin offers his own interesting and offbeat insight into Vancouver’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through his astute insight of urban planning and development, a love of architecture, and a fascination for the curious. This runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at 6184 Ash Street and there is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. Light refreshments will be served.

Thursday, February 21, 2013
Historic Jewish Walking tour of Strathcona & Gastown
With Jewish Museum & Archives of BC
Discover the fascinating tales of early Jewish life in the heart of Strathcona and Gastown. This guided walking tour starts in Strathcona, and covers approximately 2 km to visit the landmarks, architecture, and events that shaped the evolution of historic Vancouver. Participants should meet at 700 East Pender (at Heatley, First Shara Tzedek Synagogue) for the walk that will take place from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Registration online in advance is required.

Friday, February 22, 2013
Historic West Hastings Map Guide Launch
Join the inaugural walking tour to launch the new map guide and be one of the first people to receive a copy of the guide researched and written by Michael Kluckner. Meet at Bute and Hastings to join the walk at 12:00pm. Tickets are $12 and registration online in advance is required.

Saturday, February 23, 2013
Japantown Walking Tour
Join civic historian, John Atkin, on an walking tour of Japantown and the oldest residential district in Vancouver. You’ll look at the extraordinary history of this neighbourhood before returning to the 1928 Japanese Language School for a tour of the recent green renovation and restoration of this important community building. Tour starts at 475 Alexander St. Tickets are $12 and registration online in advance is required.

Saturday, February 23, 2013
Old School Workshop – Lath & Plaster Repair
Simple repairs for restoring and maintaining lath and plaster. Don’t swap out the patina of your lath and plaster for drywall! Workshop with Master Plasterer of 40 years’, Lloyd Cutting and Carpenter, John Anderson. The event runs from 10:00am to 12:00pm and tickets are $30 (plus tax).

Sunday, February 24, 2013
Places That Matter plaque presentation – Hogan’s Alley
Celebrate Black History month with a very special presentation. 2:00pm at the Hogan’s Alley Cafe, at Gore and Union. Speeches, poetry, music and history will be presented, followed by a procession to unveil the plaque nearby. Tickets are not required for this event.

More events and walks are posted on the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s website along with maps for other self-guided walking tours. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to find out more about special events and heritage news.