Whistler Museum archives a town with Olympic roots
Did you know that Whistler Mountain was actually born for the 2010 Winter Games? Franz Wilhelmson, the man who opened Whistler for skiing in the 1960s, did so in hopes of hosting the Olympics. It’s just one of many interesting facts in Whistler’s history.

Whistler has a unique story and the Whistler Museum & Archives Society is sharing it with the world through the launch of “Whistler Olympic Journey Exhibit.” Created by the local community, the exhibit allows the journey of Whistler to come to life.

The exhibit utilizes and builds upon the museum’s extensive collection of “mountain life” artifacts, from photographs to antique skis. The exhibit tells tales of local lore and showcases connections between themes including, Natural History, Pioneer Influence, Olympic Visions, Mountain & Resort Development, Environmental Preservation and the Road to Future Sustainability.

The Whistler Olympic Journey Exhibit focuses on much more than just the nuts and bolts of how the 2010 Olympic Games were won and the previous bids With the mountains as the backdrop, the exhibit introduces the public to the people behind the place.

The local champions and legends of Whistler are folks like Myrtle and Alex Philip, who moved to the West Coast in 1911 and dreamed of opening their own fishing lodge. From pioneers to Olympians, the exhibit showcases the people who made Whistler happen.

Along with the Olympic spirit, the Whistler Olympic Journey Exhibit captures the imagination through interpretative elements, audience participation and good old fashioned Canadian humour.

So step into Whistler’s history this winter before, during and after the Games and experience the legends for yourself. For more information, check out whistlermuseum.org.