With the return of the events scene bringing a chock-full calendar to all in the city this summer, Vancouverites would be forgiven for not yet having experienced The Museum of North Vancouver’s Shipyard Pals tour.
Those few still to embark on the walking trail can, however, breathe a sigh of relief, for the all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza has been extended until mid-September.
Steeped in history, the story of the shipyards spans as far back as the Second World War, where major operations would be carried out at Burrard Dry Dock. It is an interesting tale for salty seadogs, locals and tourists alike, one made especially so when brought to life by the effervescent Shipyard Pals.
Shipyard Sam and Shipyard Sal (or Sue, if you’re lucky) are two quip-making storytellers whose costumed characters set the scene of what life was like in the bustling waterside area in the 1940s. Rather than one particular character, their souped-up personas harness numerous past accounts and represent the countless people who lived and worked in the area during this time.
Kelsey Ranshaw, the current actor who plays Shipyard Sue, said her favourite part of the Pals experience is the “physicality and expressiveness” of telling these past accounts.
“This includes sharing knowledge about the area’s history, and helping folks make connections to their own lives through the stories I am able to share,” she said.
For now, The Punch Clock Portal next to the Tap and Barrel will continue to serve as a time machine to the war years. Here Sam and Sal kick tours off, meandering guests through the yards while touching on the area’s lesser-known history - including the effects it had on both women’s labour rights and Canada’s contributions to the war.
MONOVA’s Acting Director Laurel Lawry said she is “thrilled“ to be able to continue the program in collaboration with the Port of Vancouver.
"The Shipyards Pals theatrical walking tours provide residents and visitors an opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the rich history of The Shipyards,” she said.
Those hoping to don their walking shoes and take a deep dive into the area can do so every Thursday and Sunday until Sept. 25.
The free tours run twice per day on Thursdays and Sundays, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For group bookings call 604-990-3700 (ext. 8008), or for more information visit the MONOVA website.
Looking for other ways to fill the calendar this month? Here’s what else is on at MONOVA:
Cedar Plait Weaving Bookmarks or Bracelets, with Tsawaysia Spukwus
Immerse yourself in indigenous culture with these creative workshops, which see Cultural Programmer Tsawaysia Spukwus invite you to try your hand at bookmark and bracelet building. Sept. 2, 3pm - 5pm
Gallery Tours
Ever wanted to take a deeper dive into the museum’s artistic offerings? Got a question about a particular piece that has long gone unanswered? MONOVA is offering guided tours of its exhibit gallery throughout September. Sept. 1, 6.30 p.m.; Sept. 2, 1.30 p.m.; Sept. 3, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sept. 4, 2 p.m.; Sept. 5, 1.30 p.m.
From Pictographs to Posterboards
In this moving exhibit, elementary and high school pupils from the Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation, Eslha7an Learning Centre, and Kenneth Gordon School discuss their role models, which span community members and ancestors. Found in the administration hallway, just off the permanent gallery
Campfire Capers
A surefire option for those looking to keep the little ones busy, Campfire Capers is a preschool program that adds song, story time and games to museum artefact viewings. Half-hour sessions running on Sept. 1, 2, 3 and 5 at 11.30 a.m.
Stories of Belonging on the North Shore
Those wanting to up their cultural intake without leaving the comfort of their sofa can do so by accessing the online exhibit Stories of Belonging on the North Shore. Via song, storytelling and first-person monologues, this virtual tour tells the tales of the vibrant diverse characters that call the North Shore home. The online exhibit can be found here.
Science Show: Amazing Animals
Nature-loving nippers will learn about North Vancouver’s diverse wildlife - including how it has adapted and been affected by climate change - through talks and games as part of MONOVA’s Science Show. Sept. 3 at noon and 1.30 p.m.; Sept. 4 at noon and 3 p.m.; Sept. 5 at 3 p.m.
