More Than a Mine – Recreation in a Mining Town (2022)

Britannia Mine Museum’s new summer exhibit takes a nostalgic historical throwback to how Britannia residents enjoyed their recreational life during the mining days, and how social gatherings helped strengthen and build the resiliency of a remote mining town.

Running from May 20 to September 5, 2022, the “More than a Mine: Recreation in a Mining Town” summer exhibit showcases the two mining communities, Mount Sheer Townsite and The Britannia Beach.

The life-sized time capsule in the Machine Shop features re-creations of how Britannia residents enjoyed various social and recreational activities. A fully immersive experience that includes a mock mining tent, a mini cabin highlighting the differences between life at the “Town Site” and “The Beach”, a Copper Queen throne, a baseball diamond, basketball court, and even a full-size diving board with artefacts and displays.

Drawn from the museum’s historic collection and archives, the exhibit showcases previously unseen objects, photographs, and films which highlight the wholesome, unique community culture and traditions that strengthened the remote towns and made Britannia an enjoyable place to live.

Life in a remote mining town wasn’t easy. To live at Britannia meant to be separated from the world and work for the Mining Company. More than 60,000 people and families from over 50 countries worked and lived here during operations from 1904-1974. The residents developed a unique culture and traditions to strengthen their community and made Britannia an enjoyable place to live.

The company encouraged and invested in family-oriented activities for residents. As a result, participation in celebrations, clubs, and sports was essential to being part of social life.  Facilities included libraries, a movie theatre, club rooms, billiard rooms, tennis courts, bowling alley and even a heated swimming pool. A thriving social calendar saw sporting events, theatrical productions, dances, movies, and parties held throughout the year. Britannia’s lively community was shaped by its unique social events. Explore the history of the Copper Queen, inter-town sports competitions, community clubs, and much more.

It’s truly a throwback in time that takes visitors on a story-telling journey and provides a glimpse into what life was like when the Britannia Mine existed.

Press release can be found here