VHF advances the appreciation and conservation of our city’s diverse heritage places and their stories. We raise awareness of the vital contribution that heritage makes to a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community.
We host informative events and workshops, create resources about Vancouver’s history and heritage places, and provide financial and practical support for the successful conservation of historic buildings and sites.
Take a walk through some of Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods this summer. Available here to download and print or to use on a desktop or mobile device, each map guide provides a walkable route to follow and learn about local history and heritage places.
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Finn Slough, originally settled by Finnish fishermen east of Steveston, has a history tied closely to the land and the fishing industry. The community’s deep connection to the marsh's natural geography shaped their lives and livelihood. Later residents embraced the ecological harmony of the site, fostering a commitment to preserving the landscape. Despite threats of eviction and climate change, the community continues to honor its heritage and maintain its ties to the land.
Join Guy Taylor, 2023/2024 winner of the Robert Lemon Heritage Studies Prize, and explore the history of the site, the concept of cultural heritage landscapes (CHLs), and how we may better understand the Finn Slough site through the lens of a CHL.
Robert Lemon’s memoir “An Architect’s Address Book” (ORO Editions) chronicles the places he has lived while studying and practicing architecture, specializing in heritage preservation. This illustrated talk will focus on his learning about heritage during his studies in Ottawa, Paris, London, Rome and York (UK). To encourage such studies for a younger generation he has established the VFH Robert Lemon Heritage Studies Prize.
This talk invites you on a journey through speculative anthropology to a future where Vancouver has recovered from a seismic disaster. Dr. Jonathan Eaton will address key questions such as: What would transpire if the "Big One" were to strike Vancouver tomorrow? What principles would guide the rebuilding efforts in the ensuing months? What aspects of the city would we strive to preserve? How might Vancouver transform in the aftermath? In the process, we will learn about the ways that heritage is threatened by disasters and how preserving and celebrating heritage can be woven into Vancouver’s recovery, even before disaster strikes.
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An interactive map of places listed on Vancouver's Heritage Register.
Places That Matter sites recognize some of the people, places and events that tell the story of Vancouver’s history.
Defines, details and illustrates local house styles, their architectural elements and social context.
As a charitable organization, we are grateful for all donations. Your support means we can promote appreciation of Vancouver's unique history and heritage places, as well as support conservation projects with education, information and grants. Donors are known as Friends of VHF and are acknowledged on our website.
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Explore all resources & guides
A heritage study guide, grants for field trips and professional development support
Guidance and support for heritage property owners and stewards.
Learn about the relationship between community, sustainability and heritage
Explore all grants
Support for heritage places.
Grants to assist with researching and sharing Vancouver's heritage.
To support local field trip costs for Vancouver history and heritage experiences.