The Richmond Museum Society is reconnecting the community with its roots, one story at a time. In this interview, board member Celine Hong shares how the Society is preserving and celebrating Richmond’s diverse history through exhibitions, educational programming, and community events like the upcoming Doors Open Richmond.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The Museum’s vision is to make the history of Richmond relevant, engaging and accessible. We preserve and share stories, artefacts, and cultural heritage that reflect the diverse experiences of our community.
Once a year, the main gallery space renews to highlight one of many facets of Richmond’s history. The current exhibition, Family Treasures, features the heirlooms and keepsakes that shape our own stories and connect us to each other.
Beyond exhibitions, we bring history to life with school programs, take-home kits, youth camps, and annual events like Doors Open Richmond, which invites the public to explore over 50 cultural and historic sites across the city.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The preservation of history and culture doesn’t happen without intentional action, and Richmond as a city is changing dramatically. Our work ensures that the stories of this community are documented, celebrated, and accessible to future generations.
The Museum’s current footprint includes our annually curated gallery, an extension for community-led exhibitions, and a programming space called the History Lab. A long-term dream of ours is to establish a larger museum that includes permanent exhibition space to really do justice to the history and culture of the city.
When did you start/join it?
I joined the board in January 2024, though the Society has been around since 1999.
What made you want to get involved?
I’ve worked in the culture and heritage sector for about seven years and am a certified Interpretive Planner. I’ve always been inspired by how museums can amplify community voices and bring stories to life. But my love for museums really started when I was a kid!
Having grown up in Richmond, this city is a big part of my own story. Being part of the Richmond Museum Society is a way for me to give back to the place that shaped me and help others feel that same connection.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I joined, the organization was regaining momentum post-COVID. We had directors retire, new additions to the board, and we were navigating “the new normal” with the rest of the world. While it was a time of transition, it was also a moment of renewal and opportunity—a chance to align on our vision and shape the museum’s next chapter.
How has it changed since?
Programs, exhibits, and events have been gaining attendance, and participation is passing our pre-pandemic levels! Last year’s exhibition, Richmond Kids, saw a spike in visitors, particularly from families and children. It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the community coming back to celebrate culture and heritage.
The society is also more active at public events and doing outreach work to support our membership, programs, and other initiatives.
What more needs to be done?
As a small organization, capacity-building is a key focus. For our size, the scale and impact of our events and exhibitions speak to the incredible work of our staff. With more resources and support, we can do even more. We want to grow our community, which means expanding our membership, deepening engagement, and continuing to create space for people to see themselves in the stories we tell.
How can our readers help?
Start by visiting the Richmond Museum at the Cultural Centre or attending an event like Doors Open Richmond. Bring friends, bring family—sharing the experience is half the joy.
Becoming a member is free, comes with benefits, and shows public support for our mission. Or, if you want to dive deeper, join us as a volunteer! There are lots of ways to get involved, whether that’s helping with outreach or supporting events in the community.
Do you have any events coming up?
You can check our activities here.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
One group doing amazing work is Burnaby For Our Kids. They bring families together to advocate for climate action and a livable future.
