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The Future of History Project

A New Vision for Sharing BC’s Rich Maritime Heritages and Cultures

Future of History Rendering, by Larry Cecco
Future of History Project announcement

More Information

Click below to download a PDF version of the renderings and a media package with supporter statements and information on the Future of History Project.

Lekwungen Peoples and the Maritime Museum of BC Embark on a New Project

The Steamship Building, a striking heritage landmark on the Inner Harbour, would house a re-imagined maritime museum. Alongside this, a floating structure adjoining the Steamship Building would be dedicated to the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation, offering a Lekwungen welcome centre and exhibit space. This new space would emphasize the local Nations’ presence and deep connection to coastal waters, which dates back thousands of years. 

Joint Project and Working Group

The Nations and MMBC have established a joint working group to advance the project. At this time, no official agreement with the province has been reached, however, negotiations will be completed with the government. The cost of the project is estimated at $38 million, with potential funding sources including private philanthropic and corporate sponsors, as well as contributions from the federal government. 

The Steamship Building and the associated water lease are provincially owned, and their future use remains part of ongoing discussions. The project’s vision aims to restore this prime waterfront location to the public, creating a vibrant cultural precinct for both residents and visitors alike. 

Aerial Rendering of The Future of History Project
Chief Jerome Thomas, Esquimalt Nation

“This opportunity returns the Lekwungen Nations to a place of prominence here in our traditional territory, where residents and visitors will be welcomed and come to understand our proud history.”

Chief Jerome Thomas
Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nation

Chief Ron Sam, Songhees Nation

“By including Lekwungen maritime history, we can show that settler and First Nations people have shared experience and intertwined histories.”

Chief Ron Sam
Songhees Nation 

MMBC Board Chair Jamie Webb

“Today, history is predominantly known and told through a colonial perspective in places like museums. The current significant imbalance will be addressed over time as the public experiences the work of reconciliation through The Future of History project.”

Jamie Webb
MMBC Future Committee Chair


Council of Navigators

These are our key community supporters who signed on in 2022 to help advance The Future of History project and make it possible.

Partner Accent Inns, construction industry leader, philanthropist, boater

CEO Open Ocean Robotics, speaker, entrepreneur, adventurer

Founder, Black Press Media, engineer, community leader, yachtsman

President Berwick Retirement Communities, design buff, community builder

Chair/Owner Van Isle Marina, marine industry leader, keen boater, photographer

Lawyer, businessman, marina operator, wooden boat owner, historian, volunteer

Former naval officer, philanthropist, amateur maritime historian

University of Victoria professor emeritus, legal historian, enthusiastic rower

Community builder, thought leader, instigator, fisherman

Lawyer (retired), developer, marina owner, recreational boater, former Chair MMBC

Owner Prince of Whales, tourism entrepreneur, environmentalist

Co-founder IMPACT, tourism maven, community leader, merchant mariner

President & CEO Ocean Networks Canada, ocean engineer, climate action advocate

Real Estate Professional, active community volunteer, Vice-Chair MMBC

Editor & Publisher Times Colonist, historian, genealogist, author

Lawyer, business advisor, community leader, former Chair MMBC


Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining the site. Fundraising, detailed planning and construction will begin as soon as the project partners have a firm commitment for the site.

The Steamship Building and the associated water-lot, belong to the people of BC and are held by the province. Discussions to gain occupancy are ongoing with the government.

The current capital budget is $38.5M. That includes $5M to fit out the already upgraded Steamship Building to meet the needs of a maritime museum and $33.5M for construction of the floating building that will be home to the Lekwungen welcome/cultural facility. We know construction costs are rising. The sooner we start the better.

This is not a government project. Private philanthropy and corporate sponsorship will fund 60% of the capital costs. The federal government will be asked to contribute $15M toward the capital cost. The primary provincial contribution is the site.

The Future of History Project will be owned jointly by the Maritime Museum of BC Society (a not-for-profit charity), the Esquimalt Nation and the Songhees Nation. It will be a social enterprise operated by the parties.

The business plan projects annual revenues of $6.8M based on an attendance of 325,000 and other revenues. This is only possible because of the prime location and the visitor experience offered. All costs for the operation of both facilities will be covered. Eighteen full-time jobs, plus seasonal employment, will be associated with the project. The plan also funds $800,000 annually to invest in new initiatives related to the project, as determined by the partners.

June 2029. The Steamship Building and the associated water-lot are temporarily in use by customs and the Victoria Clipper Ferry while the new Belleville Terminal Building is under construction. The construction timeline for the Future of History Project is entirely compatible with the Belleville Terminal Project.

There will likely be a single admission for both facilities. The essence of the experience is the opportunity to respectfully explore and understand two perspectives and legacies of the history of the coast we now share. Much more work must be done by the three partners to determine how they each wish to present heritage spanning from time immemorial to a more recent intertwined history. This is the tangible work of reconciliation for everyone to witness.

Yes, it’s ideal. It offers 21,000sq/ft of display space on four floors. The most engaging, new era, museums provide visitors the opportunity to learn something new on every visit. Frequently changing exhibits attract repeat visitors. The entire building will be dedicated to exhibit space and memorable experiences.

(The Maritime Museum of BC’s collection of some 35,000 objects, a research library and archival materials are already secured in 10,000 sq/ft, Class A archive facility provided by the province at Seymour Place. This space will continue to hold the collection. Archive space will be available for objects and possessions of the Lekwungen Nations if requested.)

The water-lot space permits a 15,000 sq/ft floating building that includes exhibit space, meeting and social areas, ceremonial space and a built-in beach for landing canoes. How the space will be used and programmed will be determined by the Lekwungen Peoples.

Join us by becoming a member of the Maritime Museum of BC Society. Once negotiations to acquire access to the site are concluded with the province, we will need your help.

For more information, please reach out to:

Esquimalt Nation Media Contact:
Andrea Thomas
Executive Director
andrea@esquimaltnation.ca
(250) 381-7861

Songhees Nation Media Contact:
Shayli Robinson
Executive Coordinator, Songhees Development Corporation
s.robinson@songheesdevco.com
250-386-1043 ext. 214

MMBC Media Contact:
Angus Matthews
Joint Working Group Member, Maritime Museum of BC
angus@angusmatthews.com
Mobile: 250-858-4427