A Place of Learning and Storytelling

MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver (3203 Institute Road) invites the North Shore community to discover their shared history by visiting our beautiful heritage building in Lynn Valley. Located in the former Fourth Lynn Valley School, which was renovated in 2005, the Archives continues to unite our community as a place of life-long learning and storytelling.

The state-of-the-art storage facility, welcoming reference room and commemorative outdoor plaza are a destination for visitors interested in knowing more about the diversity and determination of our early communities. Dive into the danger of mountaineering, uncover the secrets of an intelligence office in WW1 or sing along with logging camp culture. The Archives has it all!

MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver is located in the century-old Fourth Lynn Valley School in the District of North Vancouver. Photo: Alison Boulier

Repository for Historical Records

As the designated repository for historical records of both the City and District of North Vancouver, our professional staff provides residents and visitors with easy access to fire insurance maps, city clerk correspondence, and real estate genealogy.

In addition to public records of municipal governance, the Archives acquires and preserves the private records of North Shore individuals and businesses, as well as records of associations and societies. We also have a growing collection of oral histories, which reveal the recollections of individuals who live and contribute to the vibrant community of North Vancouver.

Reference Historian Daien Ide supports research and exploration of North Vancouver and its people through archival collections, research and exhibits. Public access to the Archives’ Reading Room is currently by appointment only. Photo: Alison Boulier

The Archives preserves more than 50,000 archival records, including photographs, ship plans, maps, diaries, drawings, films and videos. We are committed to making our archival collections as accessible as possible through an ongoing digitization program.

As physical materials are digitized, the Archives staff uploads digital photographs, maps, letters etc. into our online database, which is available 24-hours a day on the MONOVA website. The database makes it easy for anyone to start their historical search online from the comfort of home or on-the-go.

Emily Sylman, Ryerson University Archives Intern, in front of the recent Neal Carter exhibition at the Archives. Photo: Jessica Bushey

Exhibition and Outreach Program

In response to our ever-changing world, the Archives remains engaged with contemporary issues through an active exhibition and outreach program. New physical exhibits and online interactive exhibits are presented throughout the year.

Our exhibits and programs expose audiences to newly acquired archival materials and, through partnerships with local schools and organizations, we introduce new perspectives about our shared identity, history and place.

Located at 3203 Institute Road, the Archives of North Vancouver is open to all.