This Season's Main Exhibits
Come and experience our fascinating exhibits - opening June 26, 2010
In the Hutcheson Gallery:
Straight from the University of Victoria . . .
NEPTUNE'S Realm: Science of the Sea
The North-East Pacific Time-series Undersea Networked Experiments (NEPTUNE) is the world’s largest cable-linked seafloor observatory. This ground-breaking project expands the boundaries of ocean exploration and provides new ways of studying and understanding our planet. And it all comes through the Alberni Valley!
Our NEPTUNE Canada multimedia exhibit explores the project’s complex construction, key developers, and many benefits which will impact ocean research for generations to come. We are also pleased to offer visitors a live feed to the webcast coming from the 800-km network of electro-optic cable on the seabed.
Come discover the future of oceanic research and experience the live real-time video feedback helping to push the boundaries of science.
Tsunami Drama
Just after midnight on March 28th, 1964, Port Alberni experienced the repercussions of the greatest earthquake of the 20th century. Coming up the Alberni Inlet was a 16 foot high wall of water which would destroy dozens of homes and businesses and forever alter the history of the Alberni Valley.
Our exhibit explores the timeline, the clean-up, the aftermath, and personal experiences of the citizens and heroes who survived this great natural disaster.
The display also reveals what the Alberni Valley has done to prepare itself if another tsunami ever happens again including the construction of a complex diking system and the creation of tsunami evacuation sites.
Come discover how history has affected the Alberni Valley in the past and how it will guide us in the future.
In the Discovery Centre (Lighthouse)
Our lighthouse exhibit explores the history of Vancouver Island’s maritime safety beacons, including the lives of the people who lived on these remote places and some of their unique experiences. It also contains artefacts from nearby West Coast lighthouses.
Make sure you get the chance to check out the portholes, sound the foghorn and learn a little more about local maritime history.
