For 60 years we have been the heritage site of choice to visit in the Lower Mainland offering unique programs for adults, children, families and school groups.

Registered Programs & Drop-in Services

Please see our Active Living Guide that outlines all the New Westminster Museum and Archives programs and services. 

School Programs

Our curriculum based school programs, with hands-on learning, are designed to engage and inspire your students. Programs are presented by staff and trained volunteer docents in Irving House and the Museum and Archives.

School Bookings Require:

• Advance booking is required, please call or email us
• Payment (VISA, MC, Cash, Cheque) is required at booking
• Advance notice of student special needs helps us serve you better
• Cancellations require 72 hours notice before the tour for refunds. Cancellations made thereafter will not be refunded.

Old House Tell Me Your Story (Preschool – Grade 1)
Introduce young children to the way of life of people living in the New Westminster community over 100 years ago. It will describe the many components of a Victorian House and family that are similar and different from those components of the house that they live in today. Sensitive to the fact that children at this age are still learning about the world and accepting it as the way it seems, this program will assist children in the understanding of the broader community and their place in it.
Tuesday - Friday, 9:45 – 11:15 am or 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Registration Fee: $84.00 per class

Life in Early New Westminster (Grades 2 -3)
Introduce children to everyday life in the Victorian household of early New Westminster. Through hands-on activities and a craft, participants will get to know the members of the Irving family, and learn about the differences between families in the past and families today.
Tuesday - Friday, 9:45 – 11:15 am or 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Registration Fee: $84.00 per class

Irving House Guided Tours (ESL and Grades K - Adult)
This one-hour discovery tour is led by costumed guides and includes new vocabulary, artifact discovery and hands-on learning. The tour can be tailored for all levels, including senior secondary, college and ESL students. 
Tuesday – Friday, one hour between 9:45 am & 3:00 pm
Registration Fee: $55.50 (grade K-8), $62.50 (Grade 8-adult)
per class

A Living Working River (Grades 2-7)
The one-hour guided tour examines port activity, port-related occupations, cargoes and maintenance of the waterways, and provides students with hands-on exercises interpreting river history.  Students experience the working life on the last steam-powered paddle wheeler to work on the Fraser River.  Combine it with a school program at the Fraser River Discovery Centre.
Tuesday – Friday, one hour between 9:45 am & 3:00 pm
Registration fee: $62.50 per class.