skagit_county_historical_museum

Skagit County Historical Museum Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence!

The Skagit County Historical Museum serves as the official source for the understanding and enjoyment of Skagit County’s unique cultural history. In doing so, the Museum fosters community identity, understanding, and pride; offers a sense of belonging; and acts as a forum for bringing individuals and communities together. The Skagit County Historical Museum enjoys strong and diverse community support by representing the history of all Skagit County people and communities; responding to the changing needs of broad audiences; and exemplifying high ethical standards.

SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM MISSION


The Skagit County Historical Society shall preserve and present the County’s unique cultural heritage for the enjoyment and education of all.

  • This Society shall discover and collect material which may establish or illustrate the history of Skagit County.
  • This Society shall ensure the preservation of such material and assist with the preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites, districts, roads and trails as appropriate.
  • This Society shall seek to disseminate historical information and promote interest in the past by publishing historical material, presenting public programs and exhibitions and marking historic buildings, structures, sites, districts, roads and trails as appropriate.

Our library resources are for use on the premises, and research assistance is provided by appointment. Copies of historic photographs are available for a fee.

The Museum documents, preserves, and interprets over 200,000 County-related artifacts. Extensive collections of dolls, household items, quilts, clothing, Native American pieces, tools, and farm equipment are exhibited on a rotating basis to provide a variety of views into our county’s past. Reference questions regarding collections are answered by appointment. The Museum also offers assistance to patrons who want to know how to store and care for their personal heirlooms and photographs. The Museum’s goal is to “Preserve Skagit history for all people, for all time.”

Gifts of historic materials and artwork play an important role in helping the Museum expand its permanent collection. Objects offered for acquisition must be reviewed and approved by the Museum’s Collections Committee, which is charged with accepting only those items of Skagit County historic significance in sup-port of the Museum’s mission.

The Museum Store offers an assortment of history-oriented merchandise. Books on local and regional history, including an in-depth series of Skagit County Historical Society publications, old-time toys and Native American crafts provide distinctive and reasonably priced gift ideas. Society Members receive 10% discount!

Directions to the Skagit County Historical Museum

The Museum is easy to find. After entering La Conner on Morris Street, turn left on S. 2nd Street, go two blocks to the Methodist church. Turn left onto Benton Street. Continue for two blocks to S. 4th Street. Turn left and go one block to the Museum. There is plenty of free parking. 

Hours and Admission Rates

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday Hours – 11 am to 5 pm
Museum Members: Free
Adults: $5
Seniors: $4
Children 6-12: $4
Families: $10 (two adults & two children)
Children 5 & under: Free

Skagit County Historical Museum Events for the 50th Year

50 Years of Memories
June 15, 2018 – March 2019

A history of the Skagit County Historical Museum ‘at the top of the hill’. Including the stories, the people and the places that make the Museum so special. Learn why museums are in place, what we do, and how we do it!
Foundations for the Future
August 24, 2018 – March 2019

From founders to donors, there were many individuals and families of Skagit Valley who contributed to building the foundations for the present day Skagit County Historical Society. The community and cultural heritage of Skagit is diverse and unique. Discover the stories of those who began – and continue – to preserve and present Skagit History for all people, for all time.

Special Exhibits
As we celebrate our 50th year, we will be sharing a variety of items from our collection.

Treasures from the collection that will put you in the summertime picnic mood!
Readin’, Ritin’, and ‘Rithmetic
September 6 – November 11

Over 100 years of books and other memorabilia from schools in Skagit County. (Might even be a ‘hickory stick’!)
“Happy Christmas, Happy New Year”
November 23 – March 2019

As the Beatles sang in 1968, “we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Enjoy this special exhibit of toys and gifts from the ‘60s!

Events

Saturday, November 3
50th Anniversary Party!
Maple Hall, La Conner
Dust off those bell bottoms, mini-skirts and Nehru jackets! Come and party like its 1968! Join us as we celebrate this milestone in the history of the Museum. Heavy appetizers, no-host bar, raffle, silent and live auctions, 60’s music and dancing!
Stay tuned for more information.

Thursday, December 6
Holiday Gala/Annual Appeal Kick-off
Start the season off right with a party at the “top of the hill”. Enjoy “Happy Christmas, Happy New Year”, good food, great company – and learn how you can help support the exciting things happening at the Museum.
Plus! Witness the opening of the Time Capsule from 1969!!

Skagit County Historical Museum Team

Meet the Skagit County Historical Museum Board of Trustees and Staff!  Interested in volunteering?  Do you like to meet and greet visitors to the area? Teach children about our history? Clean, research or catalog artifacts from long ago? If so, we could have an interesting volunteer job for you – or someone you know! Volunteers are needed for tending the front desk, giving school tours, and doing catalog work at the Skagit County Historical Museum at the top of the hill in LaConner. Volunteers can work from one day per week to one day per month. Interested? Call 360-466-3365 for more information.

President: Sara Patton
Vice President: Dan Royal
Treasurer: Muriel Neely
Secretary: Merlene Buller

Members by Region

Anacortes:
Charles Eckardt
Mary Kirkwood

Burlington/Edison:
Chris Loving
Dave Thomas
La Conner:
Don Elliott
Rosie Hulbert

Mount Vernon:
John Kamb, Jr
Muriel Neely

Sedro-Woolley/Upriver:
Deanna Ammons
Merlene Buller

At Large:
Sara Patton
Jeanne Youngquist 
Karen Talbert
Dan Royal
Honorary Trustees:
Karen Summers, President – Skagit County Pioneer Association
Ken Dahlstedt – Skagit County Commissioner Dist 2

Staff

Director: Jo Wolfe
Curator: Karen Summers
Archivist: Mari Densmore
Education & Outreach Coordinator: Katie Bunge
Facilities Manager: Warren Gravley
Custodian: Linda Reynolds-Gravley
Office Manager: Ann Maroney