Royal BC Museum Publishing

Victoria, BC

The Royal BC Museum is one of Canada’s greatest cultural treasures. The museum was founded in 1886; the Archives, in 1894. In 2003, these two organizations joined to become British Columbia’s combined provincial museum and archives, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of British Columbia’s natural and human history, safeguarding them for the future and sharing them with the world.

Through research and learning, we strive to broaden understanding about our province and inspire curiosity and wonder. We are passionate about sharing British Columbia’s story with the millions of visitors who walk through our doors and explore our website each year.

Our collections, research and presentations enable us to tell the stories of British Columbia in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. By exploring our social and environmental history, the Royal BC Museum advances new knowledge and understanding of British Columbia, and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for reflection.

When John Fannin, the Royal BC Museum’s first curator, published his Check List of British Columbia Birds in 1891, he set in motion a publishing program that has engaged and informed for nearly 130 years. Since that first publication, the Royal BC Museum has released hundreds of works on diverse subjects, bringing the human and natural history of the province to life in exciting, innovative and personal ways.