The SCMA's History & Mandate

The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives came into existence on May 29, 2002 when the two local museums, the Elphinstone Pioneer Museum and the Sunshine Coast Maritime Museum joined forces and amalgamated.  The founding Museums had been separately collecting and preserving the history of the Sunshine Coast for many years but it was believed that an amalgamated Museum would be more efficient and better suited to preserving local heritage into the future. It was time to combine forces to create a joint effort for funding purposes, for management purposes and to consolidate the collections in one location.  We were fortunate to have the benefit of the many years of experience from both of the founding museums as the Elphinstone Pioneer Museum had been in existence since 1969 and the Sunshine Coast Maritime Museum since 1989.

Our greatest challenge was to bring two separate collections together into one and display as much of the material as possible at one location.  This is a work in progress as we create our exhibits and displays for the public to enjoy and care for the material for future generations.

Mission Statement  - From the constitution of May 29, 2002

The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives Society is committed to preserving, promoting, and presenting the vibrant and diverse history of the Sunshine Coast by preserving artifacts of historical relevance to the Sunshine Coast; by offering stimulating exhibits and providing dynamic educational programs, by providing a resource centre and archives; and by making collections accessible and available.  Our guiding principles are to inspire curiosity, involve our community, and share our story.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives is to identify, acquire and preserve material of natural, historical, scientific, artistic, archival and/or informational value to the Sunshine Coast community and to make the collection available to the public.

The regional museum will collect material that relates to the geographical area bordered by McNab Creek to the North, Howe Sound to the East, the Strait of Georgia to the South and Jervis Inlet to the West or other material that is of value to the local community.

The Museum will provide, to the best of its ability, for the preservation and conservation of the material it collects.  Wherever possible it will make the material available to the public for informational, educational and research purposes unless there are copyright limitations or conservation issues to protect the material from wear.

The Museum is operated for the public as a non-profit permanent establishment and was incorporated May 29, 2002.  The Museum is available to all members of the public no matter what economic status, physical or mental abilities, religious beliefs, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

The Museum will provide the public with the opportunity to expand their knowledge, the opportunity for unlimited self-development and will look to the needs of the community and its membership regarding heritage values.

The Museum will co-operate with other museums and heritage organizations to promote the collection and preservation of significant historical material to ensure that our past has a future.

Vision Statement  

The Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives reflects the Sunshine Coast’s natural connection between land, sea and human experiences.  By sharing information and encouraging curiosity, the Museum will build a lasting and beneficial relationship with the regional community by preserving community heritage for future generations and provide visitors with exciting perspectives of life on the Sunshine Coast.

A commitment to education, public involvement and research will emphasize accessibility and availability.  Improving conditions for research and preservation and presenting our heritage collection in new ways will increase our ability to reach new audiences and encourage repeat visits from regional residents and other visitors to the region.  When possible, we will make the collection and related information available to new audiences through innovative technologies such as the World Wide Web without jeopardizing the copyright requirements or quality of the Museum collection.

A commitment to collaborate with allied regional organizations, such as the Sunshine Coast Regional Heritage Council, and exploring other partnerships within the region will encourage regional community involvement.  An exhibit space devoted to rotating theme displays and seasonal events will attract return visits and create a centre of attention that will strengthen the Museum’s position as a community asset.  When funding, space and time allow the Museum will explore the potential for hosting travelling exhibits that are relevant to the regional community.

The physical space presented by the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives will reflect the ambience and charter of the Sunshine Coast and will be a destination for the residents of the regional community and visitors from around the world.