Walking the Beat Through History: My Summer at the Vancouver Police Museum
By Mackenzie Galbraith
Remembering Mackenzie Galbraith
This summer, I had the opportunity to work at the Vancouver Police Museum, leading walking tours that explored the city’s hidden history of crime, vice, and intrigue. While guiding guests through Vancouver’s darker past was exciting, the real reward—and challenge—lay in the deep research and preparation that went into each tour.
One of my favorite discoveries was a 1926 photo featuring Mayor R.D. Taylor, Chief Constable Long, and none other than Babe Ruth. More than just a fascinating image, it offered a glimpse into 1920s Vancouver high society—where political figures, sports legends, and vice kingpins like brothel and bootlegging operator Joe Celona or gambling magnate Shue Moy moved in surprisingly similar circles.
Another highlight was the tale of John Clough, Gastown’s legendary one-armed lamplighter and longtime VPD jailer. He quickly became a bit of a crowd favorite at the final stop of our Vice, Dice, and Opium Pipes tour. A fun fact I loved sharing: Clough was the first person to receive a police pension from Vancouver Police Department —a small but telling legacy, echoed today in the Lamplighter Public House, which bears his name.
Beyond the tours, I found just as much joy in quieter moments—digging through old photos, documents, and collections, or lending a hand wherever needed. It was during those times that I felt a deeper connection to the museum, its stories, and the passionate staff behind it all.
Each tour felt like both a performance and a conversation. Some guests came for true crime tales; others were drawn to the social undercurrents that shaped the city. I learned to adapt on the fly, tailoring stories and drawing unexpected connections between the past and the present.
By summer’s end, I had gained a profound appreciation for the way research fuels storytelling—and how storytelling, in turn, brings history to life. My time at the Police Museum reminded me that behind every headline is a human story, just waiting to be told.
-Posted in memory of our summer student Mackenzie Galbraith. May the force be with you, always!
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What a fascinating glimpse into the history of policing in Vancouver! I appreciate how you highlighted the personal stories that make history come alive. Have you considered integrating more interactive elements, perhaps like drift boss, to engage younger audiences further? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Nice post, thanks for sharing!
Spending a summer at a museum sounds like a great way to learn about a city's history from a different perspective. The Vancouver Police Museum seems like the kind of place where everyday objects, old records, and personal stories can reveal fascinating details about how a community has changed over time. I imagine an experience like this can make history feel much more real than simply reading about it in a book.
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It's always interesting to hear how people connect with local history through their own experiences.
Thanks for sharing your story!
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