The rich and layered history of the Wellstead District will be brought to life through photographs, artefacts, personal stories and film in a new community-led exhibition at the Vancouver Arts Centre.
Presented by the Wellstead Historical and Heritage Committee, Between the Mountain and the Sea will run in the Main Gallery from 8–21 September 2026.
The exhibition explores the people, places and events that have shaped one of the region’s most significant agricultural districts, and reflects on the resilient community that calls Wellstead home today.
A new 30-minute documentary featuring the memories and experiences of local residents will premiere as part of the exhibition, with all recorded material becoming part of the Wellstead District Historical Archive, preserving these first-hand accounts for future generations.
Wellstead Historical and Heritage Committee representative Sylvia Leighton said the district had an important place within the broader Albany 2026 story.
“The history of the area extends back tens of thousands of years, beginning with the Traditional Custodians and continuing through centuries of encounters, settlement, agriculture and community life,” Ms Leighton said.
“From the appearance of this coastline on Dutch maps and the visits of British and French expeditions to the arrival of whaling and sealing vessels and George Cheyne’s establishment of a trading post and farm at Cape Riche, Wellstead has a remarkable and complex story.
“We believe these histories have an important place within Albany 2026, and we invite people to visit the exhibition and discover more about this extraordinary district.”
Albany 2026 Coordinator Adam Gregory said the exhibition demonstrated the value of communities documenting and sharing their own histories.
“Between the Mountain and the Sea has been shaped by the knowledge, memories and generosity of the Wellstead community,” Mr Gregory said.
“It offers visitors an opportunity to understand the district through the voices of the people who know it best, while creating an important historical record that will endure well beyond 2026.
“Albany 2026 is proud to support this thoughtful community-led project and help bring the stories of Wellstead to a wider audience.”
Through its combination of historical research, treasured objects and personal recollections, Between the Mountain and the Sea reflects on the resilience, innovation and community spirit that continue to define Wellstead today.
