Research

Our collection has over 30,000 items, with 7,000 photos digitized and available online. Currently, the rest of our collection is not available digitally but can be accessed through a Research Request Form.

Research Request Form

After submitting the Research Request Form, our Collections and Exhibits Manager will work with you to provide access to the collection. As we are a small museum with a small staff, and only a portion of the staff responding to research requests, please give 5-7 working days for a response.

Materials available for research

  • Copies of the Sooke News Mirror from 1959-2023, Sooke Voice News 2011-2015, and Westshore Voice News 2016-2019
  • Audio Tapes (Oral Histories)
  • Genealogical charts are available, you must provide proof of relation to the chart

Accessing the Collection

After finding materials that suit your research, an appointment can be made to view the materials in-person. If you cannot come in person, we will do our best to accommodate your situation. In-person appointments must be made with the Collections and Exhibits Manager. For researchers wanting to sit and review materials, we have space available.

If you want to see materials in our collection and are not a researcher, we accommodate those requests as well. We don’t require you to fill out a research request form, but do ask that an appointment is made with the Collections and Exhibits Manager ahead of time. We strongly encourage you to email or call the Museum ahead of time. If you walk-in, there is a possibility your request cannot be met.

In all cases, if the materials are in poor condition, the in-person viewing will be limited and sometimes not available. Photography of materials are allowed. Any reproductions are subject to fees.

Any research and materials relating to Indigenous peoples, belongings, and knowledge will go through an additional process. The Museum will consult with the respective Nations around access to the materials.

Reproductions and Fees

During your visit, any materials that you want reproduced are subject to fees. Please see our detailed reproduction and fee schedule below:

Reproduction and Fee Schedule

Automatic Fee Exemptions:

  • A self-identifying Indigenous person
  • An Indigenous organization
  • Local (Sooke Region) non-profit organization
  • Immediate family
  • Students (all levels)
  • Capital Regional District
  • District of Sooke

Please let us know if you fall into one of these categories when ordering reproductions.

Sooke Region Historical Society members receive a 10% discount on all services.

Any fee can be waived or discounted at the discretion of the Collections Manager or Executive Director.