School Program: "Walking the Beat"

Looking for a unique way to make the social history of Vancouver come alive? This new walking tour is suitable for many classes and grades, including Socials 9-11, History 12 and Law 12.

This two-hour walking tour explores many of the influences that resulted in the founding and development of the Vancouver Police Department. Particular attention will be paid to events between the 1867 founding of “Gassy’s Town” and the end of World War Two.

The program begins at the Museum with a brief introduction. Students then go on a guided walking tour through the oldest parts of Vancouver, exploring the history of law enforcement in this city and the significant impact some key local events have had on provincial and federal law. At the end of the tour, students return to the museum.

Some of the topics covered on this tour include: prohibition and the evolution of liquor laws (and their enforcement) in the city, the surprising Vancouver origins of national narcotic laws and racial and labour unrest in this young city.

This program is led by a museum educator and is two hours in length; the cost for this program is $8.50 per student. (One chaperone will be admitted at no charge for each five participants. Additional chaperones will be charged $5/person. Special pricing is available if you also book one of our in-museum programs.) ESL activity and vocabulary sheets are available upon request.

Please contact the museum or use our online booking form to arrange a visit.