VPMA is continuing our fundraising campaign for our newest exhibition, Becoming Vance, which opened in Nov 2023. We need your help to create engaging and educational programs to extend the exhibition's reach.

Inspector John Vance (1884 -1964) was a significant figure in Vancouver's history as one of the first forensic scientists in North America. Working for the VPD, in the historic building that houses the Vancouver Police Museum, for 42 years he helped solve some of Vancouver’s most sensational murders. His success led to him being known as “the Sherlock Holmes of Canada' and featured in newspapers and magazines of the time. Surprisingly, although Vance pioneered many of the forensic techniques used today, his work is largely unknown by the wider public.

You can help us increase the impact of this incredible exhibition by donating. With your funds, we will create educational and interactive programming aimed at youth and community members. This will include new activities for school groups, increased research and knowledge about historic and current forensic practices, and reusable equipment to increase interactivity for all our visitors. All donations over $500 will be included in our exhibitions acknowledgment panel and in our annual review.