The Doukhobor Village Museum will introduce you to Doukhobor culture and a lifestyle as it evolved in the Kootenay region of British Columbia from 1908 to 1938. Over 1,000 artifacts represent the timeless and fascinating arts and crafts, customs and religion of the people. You will see the petch (bread baking oven), the wood fired banya (sauna), naturally dyed fabrics and clothing made from linen, as well as tools and implements that were used in the last century, all set amidst an authentic reconstruction of a communal village.
This enjoyable and unique museum is nestled in a beautiful historic setting on the banks of the Columbia River. Here, you can learn about the origin of the Doukhobor people as you stroll through the spacious grounds containing heritage plants under the benign gaze of a distinctive statue of Leo Tolstoy, sympathizer and benefactor of the Doukhobors.
Books, craft items, music and films are available for purchase in the Village Bookshop. Our Audio Visual Gallery features films, an historical photo archive and new exhibits yearly relating to the Doukhobors of yesterday and today. Several time a week the Selkirk Weavers' Guild presents weaving and spinning demonstrations.
Nearby are other features of historical interest such as the Doukhobor suspension bridge built by hand in 1913, and the scenic tomb of the dynamic leader, Peter V. Verigin, near Brilliant, the site of the original settlement. The Doukhobor Museum is a heritage highlight of the Kootenies.
This page revised January 31 2002 by Larry Ewashen 2000