eDucational programming

The Oliver and District Heritage Society offers a variety of school educational programs that are engaging, interactive and informative hands-on experiences for students of all ages and abilities.

All ODHS programs cost $30.00 each plus applicable taxes.

Contact the ODHS for program bookings

Farming Food We Eat:Oliver’s Irrigation and

Agriculture History

Participants will immerse themselves in Oliver’s rich agricultural history and become familiar with the construction of the irrigation canal project. Students will learn how it led to the development and growth of orchards and vineyards in the area, with hands-on experiences and activities.

Program Sections

1. Introduction

Landscape: What makes Oliver’s landscape special?

2. The canal project—the people behind the project, science and engineering, positive and negative consequences, First Nations and environmental impacts

3. Emergence of farming and packing houses

4. Oliver’s Economy and Tourism

Target Audiences—Grades 2,4,5 and 12

BC Curriculum Connections

Grades 2,4,5,12 science and technology

Grade 5 social studies

Graded 12 social studies

Length 1 hour

This program can be modified depending on the classroom and curriculum needs of participants. It can be adapted to suit different learning abilities.

How we Use Minerals:geology and Mining History

of the Oliver Region

This program is an exploration of discovering different types of rocks and minerals, where they come from, how we get them, and the different ways people use them. Former townsites of Fairview and Camp McKinney will be used case studies throughout the program. Students will become familiar with past and present mining techniques, technology, sustainability and environmental practices in relation to natural resource extraction. There are a variety of hands-on activities in this program.

Program Sections

1. Rock and Mineral Handling & Discussion

2. What Things are Made from Minerals?

3. Thinking of Mining?

4. Environmental Impact and Mine Remediation

Target Audience—Grades 4,5,7,11,12

BC Curriculum Connections

Grade 4,5, 7 science and earth science

Length 1 hour

This program can be modified depending on the classroom and curriculum needs of participants. It can be adapted to suit different learning abilities.

Learn Your Lessons: The History of Schooling in 1920s Oliver

What was school like in Oliver during the 1920s? Participants will be able to relate to the similarities and differences of what students were taught in the 1920s compared to present-day as well as the environment of schools. Students will become familiar with the evolution of the local schools in Oliver and learn about Residential Schools. This program has a variety of hands-on activities.

Program Sections

1. Question/answer/discussion with historic artefacts and archival photos

2. Local schools in Oliver and their evolution over time

3. Residential schools

4. Classroom environment and lessons taught

Target Audience—Grades 3-5

BC Curriculum Connections

Grades 3-5 social studies

 Length 1 hour

This program can be modified depending on the classroom and curriculum needs of participants. It can be adapted to suit different learning abilities.

Art In Nature: Exploring BC’s Native Plants

Looking at nature through an artistic lens, students will become familiar with the intricacies of nature’s art through drawing and sketching. Your class will explore native plants in the ODHS Heritage Garden and learn about the many Indigenous plant uses and ways to protect them.

Program Sections

1. Exploring local nature

2. Native vs invasive plants and how plants are used

3. Oliver’s climate and the environment

4. Creative sketching and drawing

Target Audiences— Grades 3,4,5,11,12

BC Curriculum Connections

Grades 3,4,5,11,12 art and creative expression

Grades 5,11,12 science and Indigenous ways of knowing

Length 1 hour

This program can be modified depending on the classroom and curriculum needs of participants. It can be adapted to suit different learning abilities. 

On-line programs

The ODHS partnered with Forager Education Voyage Classroom where we offer a selection of online curriculum based programs! We’re excited to to expand our offerings and have our programs more accessible to classrooms locally and to different parts of BC.

To learn more and schedule an online program, follow this link

Self-Guided Experiences

The Fairview Story

Learn about the ghost town of Fairview, the people who lived there, and the gold rush that started and ended the town.

Water Ways

Water is essential for plants, animals, and humans, especially in a dry environment. Learn about water’s role in our ecosystem.

Please consider making a donation to support our work.

100% of all donated funds goes towards preserving and presenting Oliver’s history through artifact care, tours, research, and programming. Thank you for helping us to preserve local history.