Discover BC Heritage Fairs
Promoting historical inquiry, critical thinking, and research skills in BC’s students
Discover BC Heritage Fairs
The BC Heritage Fairs Society (BCHFS) is a registered charity and non-profit organization that brings kids together to make Canadian history come alive. Heritage Fairs allow students to take a hands-on role in their learning by selecting a topic of interest to them and carrying out a full research project. Students sharpen their critical thinking, master advanced research techniques, and gain invaluable experience in interviewing and evaluating credible sources, empowering them to navigate and analyze complex information with confidence. This project-based learning approach and commitment allows students, teachers, and parents to track the student’s progress and improvement.
Stages of the Heritage Fairs Program in British Columbia
Students participate in the program at the classroom level, with selected projects advancing to be presented at the regional and provincial levels.
Students typically begin their Heritage Fair projects within the context of their classrooms, however projects can also be taken on independently. School Fairs tend to occur in the early spring, with students presenting their research to educators and community stakeholders for adjudication, a process which varies by region.
> Visit Student Resources for step-by-step guidelines and useful tips
> Visit Teacher Resources for curriculum connections and lesson plans
Stand-out projects from the School Fairs, based on the rubric-assessed quality of the visual display and oral presentation during the judging process, will be sent to the Regional Fair. These Fairs typically take place in May, although exact dates vary by region.
> See if there is a Regional Fair in your area
> Contact us to participate in the Independent Fair if there is no Regional Fair in your location
Students who participate in their Regional Heritage Fair are eligible to be selected to participate in the Provincial Heritage Fair, which is organized annually by the BCHFS. The Provincial Heritage Fair locations change each year, alternating between Victoria and other cities in BC. Students gather over multiple days to showcase their projects and participate in history-related activities. Students selected for the Provincial Heritage Fair enjoy their experience fully-sponsored, making our program highly inclusive.
> Find out how you can donate to, or sponsor, the Provincial Heritage Fair
Contact the BCHFS
BC Heritage Fairs Society
c/o 32366 Peardonville Road
Abbotsford, BC, V2T 1M8, Canada
The Heritage Fairs Program
Promoting historical inquiry, critical thinking, and research skills in BC’s students
The Heritage Fairs program has been hosted in BC since 2008, involving thousands of students, parents, educators, and volunteers, whose passion for Heritage Fair carries forward for many years after they participate.
Many of our participants join our Provincial Alumni Council, which brings together students from around the province in a virtual capacity to discuss topics of historical significance in a contemporary context, and to support the Society’s mandates. Our Board of Directors comprises many such Alumni, who take on leadership roles within our organization post-graduation.
As a non-profit, we depend on the generosity of donors to drive and amplify our impactful programs. Please consider donating or purchasing a membership to support our efforts. Those interested in participating in Heritage Fair can access a variety of resources or FAQs on our website, or contact us directly.
Thank you for your support!
The BC Heritage Fairs Society depends on the generosity of donors to drive and amplify our impactful programs. Some of our past and current sponsors include:
Become a Member of the BC Heritage Fairs Society!
Becoming a member of the BCHFS is a way for you to have a say in the direction of our programming, and also support the continued organization of the Heritage Fair program in BC.