The Nicola Valley Archives Association Newsletter - Historical Work Paper Volume 1 - No. 1 was published in December, 1977. The publication was soon renamed the Nicola Valley Historical Quarterly.

The Nicola Valley Archives Association was incorporated under the Societies Act September 23, 1976 and became a Registered Charity for income tax purposes on January 1, 1977.

Although the Association had no “home” during its first year, it made its presence known in the community through the publication of the Newsletter - Historical Work Paper, later the Nicola Valley Historical Quarterly. This publication served to attract members from all over the world and hold the group together by providing a purpose for continuing research in the history of Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

The Association decided to develop a museum to house some of the artifacts that their research had attracted. From late 1977 to 1981 the museum was housed in various temporary quarters, including "Curly's Drive-In" and Ken Toy's Photography Shop. Then, under a Neighbourhood Improvement Program, the Museum/Archives and Senior Citizens' Complex was completed at what is now 2201 Coldwater Avenue. With the assistance of generous donors, including Egil Lorntzsen and Craigmont Mines, the Museum Archives was officially opened May 1, 1983.