Library Service in Penticton began on Sept. 18, 1909 when the Penticton Public Library Reading Room and Library was opened. It has had several homes and moved to this complex in 1987. The museum was relocated to this location in 1965.
Museum History
The Penticton Museum was established in 1954, when the city gave local collector R.N. Atkinson the use of the decommissioned sternwheeler S.S. Sicamous to house his private collection. A long-time Penticton resident and veteran of the First World War, Reg Atkinson collected militaria, native artefacts, firearms, and antiques since the early 1920s and had previously operated a private museum in his home. The R.N. Atkinson Temporary Gallery is named in honour of the Penticton Museum's first curator, who passed away in 1973.
In 1965 the museum moved to its current location at the Penticton Community Art complex, which it continues to share with the Penticton Public Library.
Source: City of Penticton http://www.penticton.ca/EN/main/departments/penticton-museum-archives/about-the-museum.html
Library, Museum Community Art Building
This Building Was Opened By
The Hon. Frank X. Richter M.L.A.
Provincial Minister of Agriculture
July 24th 1965
Mayor – M. P. Finnerty
Aldermen
D. Andrews
G. W. Bolton
J. Coe
H.R. Hatfield
G.E. Lang
F. D. Stuart
Administrator – H. W. Cooper
City Clerk – H. G. Andrew
Architects – Meiklejohn & Gower – Penticton, B. C.
General Contractor – Kenyon & Company Limited – Penticton, B.C.