I began to do heritage research seriously after a client from California hired me to research the story of her grandmother and shared some fantastic photographs with me. I became fascinated by the stories that historic photographs hold and was determined to document as many stories as possible. I wrote a column entitled “The Heritage Detective” in two different publications until they folded, and I have written for newsletters and other magazines over the years.

I realized that most of these articles had been published in short-run publications and had never been available to the general population. For that reason, I have decided to publish the stories, some of which had strict word counts, updating the information as necessary and including more photographs if they are available.

Learn about heritage buildings in Greater Victoria—and beyond— and the interesting people who lived in them. Volume One was published in February 2023, and Volume Two was released in July 2023. Books are available in Victoria from Munro’s Books, Bolen Books, Russell Books, Ivy’s Bookshop, Tanner’s Books, and the Craigdarroch Castle Gift Shop. If you don’t see it on the shelf, ask for it.  The book is also available online through Amazon.