Craigdarroch Castle is a national historic site owned and operated by the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society. The Castle Society, a registered charity, is managed by a volunteer board of directors. The castle is kept open year-round by a small, dedicated group of conservators and professional staff, along with dozens of enthusiastic volunteers, some of whom have been with the castle for more than 20 years.
The Castle Society’s charitable mission is to protect, restore and preserve the castle while bringing its stories to life. Visitors who have returned over the years will appreciate how far the society has come in preserving and restoring its rooms and grounds.
This year marks the Victoria Foundation’s 90th anniversary, while Craigdarroch Castle’s relationship with the foundation has reached 20 years. This is a significant milestone for both organizations.
The Castle’s Endowment Fund and Estate Restoration Fund were created to support ongoing efforts to preserve the castle building, the society’s primary artifact. The society is also grateful for grants received from other fund holders at the Victoria Foundation.
These funds help develop new exhibits that are crucial to the society’s evolution and its goal of providing relevant content for members, volunteers and Victoria’s visitor economy.
Building conservation
In 2013, the Castle Society commissioned a report on the condition of the castle’s masonry. The report provided a comprehensive assessment of deficiencies that needed to be addressed after 135 years of exposure to the elements.
The $2-million project is ongoing, with work carried out as time, funding and skilled tradespeople are available.
Exhibit design and tour-content development
Joan Dunsmuir moved into Craigdarroch Castle in the fall of 1890, after Robert’s death in 1889, and lived there for 18 years. After her occupancy, the home became the Craigdarroch Military Hospital in 1919 and served as a convalescent home for returning First World War veterans until 1921.
Victoria College later used the building for classrooms. In 1945, after the school population grew to more than 400, the college moved to a new home and made room for the Victoria School Board. The Victoria Conservatory of Music and the Castle Society later shared the building for 10 years.
In early 1980, the Castle Society took over all the rooms in the castle and began developing the museum and restoring the building’s 39 rooms. There is no shortage of stories to tell, and the society relies on visitors to help guide exhibits and tour content. That input helps the society remain relevant and engaged with its audience.
Through earned revenue from admission fees and gift-shop sales, as well as grants from the Victoria Foundation, the Castle Society remains a vibrant community space that encourages exploration of the past and conversations about the future.
Happy 90th anniversary to the Victoria Foundation and thank you for being such an integral part of our journey! We look forward to continuing this important relationship for many years to come, working together to strengthen our community and create opportunities for learning and growth.