The Heritage Tree

The Exploration Place is excited to bring back its community heritage Christmas tree. This 16-foot natural tree is the centerpiece of the Museum’s Christmas Celebrations and has been raised almost every year since the tradition began in 1995.

It’s a community version of a traditional family tree – it houses a collection of community memories symbolic of Prince George citizens that have become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Over the past 24 years, hundreds of ornaments have been donated to commemorate important personal and community events. The tree is full of special moments like baby’s first Christmas, graduations, and remembrances of passed loved ones. The tree uniquely captures memories of everyone who has contributed to it.

In 1995, the first year the Heritage tree was established, the Dunbar family hung a bell with a message that says, “The bell for us symbolizes the ringing of the news of Christ’s birth and the music of Christmas”. The same year Anne Martin donated a watering can ornament that spoke of her love of gardening.

When you bring in an ornament, a small tag is attached to tell its story and from there it becomes a permanent part of the collection. Each Christmas it will be returned to the atrium and everyone who comes to visit will be reminded of those who have contributed to the culture of our community.

The tree still has plenty of room for memories, so bring your ornament and help grow the history of our museum family tree!