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Helmcken House

(Not Yet Rated)
Helmcken House 0:0

Address

http://www.tbc.gov.bc.ca/culture/sc...
10 Elliott St. Square
Victoria , BC V8V 2P8
(250) 361-0021

Hours

Every day 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Review

Just over 150 years ago, a young man named Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken made the arduous journey around Cape Horn from his home in England to the young colony of Fort Victoria. Over the next two years he rose to prominence -- first through the instant status provided his position as Victoria’s first academy-trained doctor, and second, through his marriage to the eldest daughter of Governor Sir James Douglas. Then, in 1852, he built a little log cabin for his new wife. It was just three rooms at first and obviously had little in the way of amenities, but it served the family well over the years and made an excellent home for their seven children. Although the family lived in the house for 87 years, it has been open to the public as a museum since 1941 and it is now one of the best ways to get in touch with Victoria’s rich colonial history.

Helmcken House is crowded with both original items such as the doctor’s collection of antique medical instruments--the largest collection in North America--reproductions of the family photo album, and a considerable number of letters which visitors are welcome to handle. The room that stands out in my mind is Dr. Helmcken’s bedroom sanctuary. It has been kept in perfect condition and looks like he just stepped out to the garden for a few minutes. The Dining Room is another must-see as the family’s piano--reputed to be the first in Victoria--and the well-used card table, give the room a lived-in ambiance.

In addition to a printed guide containing extensive information on each of Helmcken House’s 10 restored rooms, there is also a taped audio tour available that transports you back to the latter half of the 19th century, when Victoria was little more than a tiny British colony.
Written By: Brodie Waddell
On: 6/3/2001

Directions

From the Inner Harbour, go south to the Royal BC Museum; the Helmcken House is behind the museum.

Features

Kid Friendly

Map

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