Explore North Vancouver’s shipbuilding history with the Shipyard Pals
The Shipyards Pals’ theatrical walking tours return to North Vancouver’s waterfront starting July 7.
The Shipyards Pals’ theatrical walking tours return to North Vancouver’s waterfront starting July 7.
Julien Galipeau and Kelsey Ranshaw as The Shipyard Pals at Punch Clock Portal. Photo: Felice Jolliffe
Shipyard Sal and Shipyard Sam (occasionally it has been Shipyard Sue) are long standing theatrical characters who have been developed and created by the MONOVA team from bits and pieces of anecdotal history from the North Shore.
Shipyard Pals Taylor Williams and Tanner Zerr on the historic crane in Shipbuilders’ Square. Photo: Alison Boulier
The Shipyard Pals are immersive storytellers. In character, they lead participants through The Shipyards and bring the history, people, and stories of the area to life through the context of the shipbuilding operations which took place during World War Two at Burrard Dry Dock.
These characters aren’t based on specific people, but rather many people and accounts distilled into character form and have been played by many different actors over the years. While each iteration is unique to the actor portraying the character, the base historical information stays the same.
Beginning at Punch Clock Portal just next to the Tap and Barrel, the Pals are easily recognizable as Shipyard workers from the 1940s. They sing and dance and entertain guests, highlighting the lesser-known history of the area which is hidden in plain sight, and the importance of The Shipyards to both women’s labour rights, and Canada’s contributions to the war.
“My favourite part of being one of the Pals is the physicality and expressiveness of telling these stories. This includes sharing knowledge about this area’s history and helping folks make connections to their own lives through the stories I am able to share.” — Kelsey Ranshaw, Actor-Interpreter
Join us this summer for free walking tours with our costumed, theatrical players. Enjoy The Shipyards and learn about its place in World War 2 history as a major shipbuilding yard. Stories, songs and learning all rolled into one!
Group bookings are available. To book a free group walking tour, please call 604-990-3700 (ext. 8008)
Brought to you by:
Generously supported by the City of North Vancouver
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
Thurs: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fri – Sun: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
115 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 0G7
Tel: 604. 990. 3700 (ex 8016)
Fax: 604. 987. 5688
Mon – Thurs: By Appointment
3203 Institute Road
North Vancouver, BC V7K 3E5
Tel: 604. 990. 3700 (ex 8011)
Fax: 604. 987. 5688
We respectfully acknowledge that MONOVA: Museum and Archives of North Vancouver is located on the traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, whose ancestors have lived here for countless generations. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work and learn with them on unceded Coast Salish Territory.