Hometown Histories: Larry Lundgren and Greg Poirier

The Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society and the Museum & Archives of Vernon are excited to present a special installment of their ongoing speaker series, Hometown Histories, delving into the rich history of the North Okanagan.
On October 19 at 1:00 PM, join local historians Greg Poirier and Larry Lundgren as they uncover the fascinating past of Vernon’s Miriam Masonic Lodge, #20 on the Grand Registry of B.C. and Yukon. With its iconic building standing proudly on 32nd Avenue for over 90 years, the Freemasons’ presence in Vernon dates back even further, spanning more than 125 years.
The event will highlight the Lodge’s long-standing traditions and its significant impact on Vernon’s community. Archives Manager Gwyneth Evans notes, “the Masonic Lodge has an interesting and often underappreciated connection to various groups in our local history, including the early Chinese community in Vernon. Freemasonry’s values of brotherhood and community service mirrored the ways in which these diverse groups contributed to the town’s development.”
Larry and Greg will dive deeper into these connections and the wider historical context of Freemasonry, offering attendees a unique glimpse into the legacy of this international fraternity that has quietly shaped much of Vernon’s history.
“Greg and Larry have previously been our tour guides for our popular mural tours, and we’re thrilled to have them take on this new role,” says Evans. “They blend factual history with an engaging presentation style that showcases their dynamic and entertaining personalities.”