Summerland Museum receives grant funding

The Summerland Museum and Archives has received grant funding from Cascadia Credit Union. The $10,000 grant came through the Summerland Credit Union Legacy Fund, held at and presented by the [...]

Summerland Museum receives grant funding Published 5:20 am Tuesday, July 14, 2026 The Summerland Museum and Archives has received grant funding from Cascadia Credit Union. The $10,000 grant came through the Summerland Credit Union Legacy Fund, held at and presented by the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen.

The money will support a summer student who is working at the museum and a winter intern who will start in September. The two positions will help the museum continue its internship program, now in its eighth year. “The students are always so enthusiastic,” said Petra Höller, curator at the Summerland Museum.

“They bring energy and curiosity, and they make a real difference in what we’re able to accomplish.” Interns and students work with museum projects including the oral history initiative. This initiative captures stories from long-time Summerland residents.

“There is so much history held by people in our community. If we don’t take the time to record those stories now, we risk losing them forever,” Höller said. The summer students also assist at markets and extend open hours for the museum.

Past interns have gone on to roles at cultural institutions or continued their studies in related fields, building on the experience and mentorship gained through the program. The museum funding is one of five Cascadia Credit Union grants awarded in partnership with the community foundation. More than $56,000 has been invested back into Summerland this year.

“Supporting the organizations that strengthen our communities is at the heart of what we do,” said Lorrie Forde, a Cascadia Credit Union board director. “The Summerland Museum preserves the stories that connect us to our past while creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow. We’re proud to help support both.”

The Summerland Credit Union Legacy Fund was established in 2019 and received a $1-million gift in 2023. With the formation of Cascadia Credit Union in 2025, the Summerland, Osoyoos and Revelstoke legacy partners committed $1 million to their community legacy endowment funds. These funds are used to generate income each year, allowing grants to be distributed annually while preserving the original gift and creating a lasting