Attractions

oKANANGAN falls

Our main feature on the property

The main feature on the property is the Bassett House which, arrived in Okanagan Falls in 1909. It is the reason we are here. One hundred and fourteen years is a long time for a house, and the Society is bound to preserve it for as long as possible. This pre-fab, or “kit” house is furnished to resemble frontier life and is lovingly cared for by volunteers. The Basset House and the Museum are open for guided tours throughout the summer.

As we do not receive any regular funding, sponsorships or operational grants. Individuals and businesses have become “Friends of Heritage Place” by either contributing a sizeable financial donation, or by supplying products and/or services that give us a consistent discount on the things we require to keep functioning. We’re all about community mindedness and people working together. And it’s a whole lot of fun!

The Bassett House

The Bassett House has been furnished to resemble frontier life including original bed frames and furniture, a baby’s crib, a wood stove, an antique organ, a dining table and chairs from 1910, ad infinitum. This is a must-see if you are fond of antiques.

The Outdoor Pavilion

The Outdoor Pavilion features larger items on display. There is an array of machinery, a blacksmith’s forge, tools and containers, and a plethora of fascinating artifacts that date back close to 100 years.

The Museum

The Museum houses the display of many small items and artifacts from the early days of Okanagan Falls. You will see everything from old kitchen items to a doctor’s kit that would terrorize us today. There are musical instruments and ancient telephones; the first wedding dress to be worn in OK Falls; catalogues and clothing; cameras and a great many photos of yesteryear.

Kenny McLean Trophy Room

It may be hard to believe that little Okanagan Falls was the home
of a World Champion Bronco Rider. His name was Kenny McLean.

Kenny Mclean

Kenny McLean was of indigenous extraction born in 1939, in Penticton, BC, although he grew up in Okanagan Falls. He was the youngest of ten children. Kenny was already breaking horses at the age of thirteen. He entered the rodeo scene when he was just seventeen years old. By the time he had reached twenty-three, Kenny had won many rodeo competitions and championships.

It was customary for the champion of a rodeo to receive a saddle in recognition of winning the competition. Upon his demise on July 13th, 2002, Kenny had more than eighty-four saddles in his possession which, were displayed during his celebration of life held in Centennial Park, in Okanagan Falls.

1962 saw Kenny become the World Saddle Bronc Champion. In 1974, Kenny was the first “cowboy” to ever be inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame. His achievements also include induction into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada (the highest Canadian award available to a civilian).

A log building on the grounds of the OK Falls Heritage and Museum Society was dedicated in 1993 to displaying the many awards, belt buckles, and other rodeo gear belonging to Kenny. It is open to the public four days a week, year-round, during the business hours of the Thrift Shoppe. For the full story posted at the BC Hall of Fame, click here.

Opening Hours

The Thrift Shoppe is open year-round, Wednesday to Saturday. We only close on Stat Holidays.

The Museum and Bassett House are open to the public from the May long weekend to the end of September.

Museum and Bassett House Tours Available:

Thrift shoppe and the kenny mclean room

Kenny McLean Trophy room $2.00 p/p, suggested donation.

Location

1145 Main Street
Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0
Canada