About Collections
The Vancouver Maritime Museum houses a world-class collection of maritime artifacts.
As the primary local repository for maritime history, the Vancouver Maritime Museum houses over 15,000 artifacts either in storage or on display. The collection has been built principally by artifact donations from the community.
Our holdings reflect the maritime history and heritage of Vancouver, the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic, and the collection represents European, Asian, North American and Indigenous sources. We strive to represent these communities and their connections to the sea through the acquisition of cultural and scientific objects relating to countries on the Pacific and the Arctic Oceans.
From Our Online Collections
COLLECTIONS FAQ
The archive is open to the public by appointment on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s from 12:00pm-4:00pm. The Vancouver Maritime Museum does not currently have an Archivist; to make an appointment in the archive, email the Curator at curator@vanmaritime.com
Yes, see the Schedule of Fees on the Library tab for Library & Archive fees.
Please note that the Vancouver Maritime Museum is not currently accepting donations. In particular instances where you feel the object belongs with the Vancouver Maritime Museum Collection, please email the Curator at curator@vanmaritime.com
In your email, please include photos of the object, a description of the object, measurements of the object, provenance (if available), and why you feel it belongs in our collection.
If you would like to request an artifact for loan, please contact the Curator with the details of your request (reason for request, name of company/institution, duration of loan request). Email these details to curator@vanmaritime.com and the museum will review your request to let you know if the loan is approved. Some follow-up information such as insurance certificates may be required.
Contact the Archivist using the “Ask An Archivist” button on the record you are interested in getting a copy of. Alternatively, email the Archivist at archives@vanmaritime.com.
The library is open to the public by appointment, during these times: 12:00pm-4:00pm – Please note we do not currently have an archivist so replies may be slower, to make an appointment please email the Curator at curator@vanmaritime.com
