Gold Exhibit

​A Chinese miner at Miocene, circa 1897. BC Archives A-05056

In 1858, the discovery of gold in the Fraser Canyon set off a dramatic migration of people; propelling this once remote region of western North American into the modern age.

Developed by the Royal British Columbia Museum, Gold Rush! El Dorado in B.C.  told the story of the Gold Rush in B.C. through interactive displays, rare artifacts and an international perspective. The exhibit showcased the far-reaching impact of the gold rush, as class and racial barriers were broken down and people seized the opportunities for riches. The exhibit was on display at the Royal B.C. Museum from May 13, 2015 – October 31, 2015.

In the fall of 2015, two smaller exhibitions opened in China (in Guangdong Province and its capital Guangzhou) and, in April 2016, the Gold Rush! El Dorado in B.C. exhibition opened at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.

Contributions to this project, one of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiatives, support the development of public education initiatives that will allow online users to learn about the experience of early Chinese British Columbians.