Series consists of records created and accumulated by the British Columbia Penitentiary in New Westminster, including federal sessional papers, statute books, American Criminological Associations' reports. There are daily ledgers, Wardens' order book, remission mark books, an inmate question and answer book (1880-1950). A large part of the records (Vols. 239-322) consists of the following ledgers and registers: stock and stores ledgers, convict ledgers, remission registers, chaplin's registers, ration books, invoice books, order books, hospital records and related material. Also, included are registry files (Vols. 227-238) which contain information on a wide variety of subjects such as: boards of inquiry and disciplinary boards, liaison with outside agencies and associations, meetings and conferences, research, establishment, classification of inmates, prison inspection, security and other matters. Graphic material consists of photographic evidence from the inquiry into the April 19-20, 1963 disturbance. Images include photographs of the disturbance site and the guard who was held hostage.
British Columbia Penitentiary : The British Columbia Penitentiary was opened at New Westminster, British Columbia, on 28 September 1878, under the direction of Warden A.H. McBride (who was formerly Governor of the Victoria Gaol). A satellite institituion, the Piers Island Penitentiary, was established in 1932 to house Doukhobor prisoners (the Sons of Freedom). A further satellite, the Agassiz Correctional Work Camp, was established in 1962. Following various disturbances in the penitentiary in 1963, the Special Detention Unit (Special Correctional Unit) was built in 1964. The penitentiary was closed on 10 May 1980.
