Hometown Histories: Speaker Series
VERNON, BC – The Museum & Archives of Vernon (MAV) and the Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society (OHS) are delighted to announce the return of their popular joint speaker series, Hometown Histories, which first launched in 2024. The inaugural event of the 2025 series will feature local historian and retired lawyer Dale Kermode, who will delve into the remarkable life of James Halbold Christie (1854-1942).
Taking place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM, this talk will highlight Christie’s fascinating adventures. Born in Scotland in 1852, Christie emigrated to Canada in 1871, embarking on a life of incredible breadth. Despite his extraordinary accomplishments—training with the Canadian Artillery, leading the Seattle Press Expedition of 1889, advocating for Indigenous rights, and conversing with Hunkpapa Lakota Chief Sitting Bull—Christie’s story has largely flown under the radar. This event aims to shed light on his life and ensure his story is not forgotten.
The inspiration for this presentation comes from the work of OHS historian Grace Worth, who chronicled Christie’s life in the OHS’s 31st Annual Report in 1967. Worth’s dedication and research preserved Christie’s story, and Kermode has expanded on her findings, uncovering new insights into this extraordinary figure.
Dale Kermode brings a wealth of experience and passion to this event. With a career spanning 35 years as a lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator in Vancouver and Vernon, Kermode has been deeply involved in community governance and planning since his retirement in 2011. He is also the son of the late Doug Kermode, a well-known local photographer whose work left a lasting legacy in the region.
Seating is limited for this popular event, so be sure to grab your tickets early! Tickets are $10, with proceeds supporting both the MAV and the OHS. Tickets can be purchased at https://greatervernonmuseum.square.site/product/speaker-series-with-dale-kermode/278?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false.
Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the untold stories of a remarkable historical figure and reconnect with the rich history of our community through the Hometown Histories series.
