White River Valley Museum : The Mary Olson Farm

Mary Olson Farm Auburn, Washington Capital Campaign

The White River Valley Museum is working toward completing the restoration of Mary Olson Farm and opening the Farm to the community in 2009. The restoration effort seeks to balance preservation of the farmstead’s historic features with safety requirements, and standards for public facilities related to access and environmental quality.


Weaving House built in 1920	Restoration of Hay Barn	Farm House built in 1902

Over $1.4 million has been raised from the following sources:

* 4Culture (King County Lodging Tax)

* Auburn Soroptimists

* Beardsley Family Foundation

* City of Auburn

* Capital Fund for Washington’s Heritage

* King Conservation District

* King County Council

* King County WRIA 9 Waterworks

* McEachern Charitable Trust

* National Trust for Historic Preservation

* Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

* Private Donors

These funds have supported several major projects , including stabilization of each of the farmstead’s historic buildings, with new roofs and foundations, complete restoration of the barn’s exterior siding and interior flooring for use as a classroom, and several environmental enhancement projects. Projects are currently underway to fully restore the farmhouse’s interior and exterior for use as a visitor center, to rehabilitate the farmstead’s historic outbuildings for use in seasonal exhibits, and to create a parking area with visitor amenities.

The Museum’s remaining fund raising goal is $200,000 to complete the project. Additional funding will support restoration of the farmstead’s cultural landscape, completion of interior restoration work on the barn, additional improvements for salmon habitat, interpretive exhibits, and other visitor amenities needed to open the Farm to the public.

You can help, by making a tax-deductible contribution to the White River Valley Museum to support restoration of this landmark property. Mary Olson Farm will be an outstanding educational and recreational resource for our community’s youth and families, one of Auburn’s signature visitor attractions, and a cultural resource that will be appreciated for generations. Click Here to download a printalbe donation form.

Mary Olson Farm Auburn, Washington Budget for Restoration & Opening

Efforts are underway to secure funding for capital improvements at the Mary Olson Farm. Restoration tasks have been undertaken and completed as funds are available. Below is a summary of the restoration budget for the Farm. Additional funding is needed to complete tasks in each category.


Restoration plan drawing	Students visit the restored barn	Restoration work underway

Building Restoration - $835,000

Projects already funded: Farm House, Hay Barn (exterior), Weaving House (exterior), Chicken Coop, Smokehouse, Outhouse, Garage Projects for which support is needed: Hay Barn (interior), Weaving House (interior), Utilities

Landscape Restoration - $185,000
Projects already funded: Orchard, Wetlands Enhancement, Invasive Plant Removal
Projects for which support is needed: Archaeological Survey, Meadows, Fencing, Site Lighting, Gardens, Green River Road Entrance, Stream Habitat Enhancement, Viewscape Restoration

Visitor Amenities - $292,000
Projects already funded: North Meadow Parking & Restrooms, Farmhouse Interior Exhibits
Projects for which support is needed: Interpretive Signage, Historical Displays, Disabled Drop-off Area, Trails & Garden Paths, Pedestrian Bridge over Olson Creek, Wagon Road Walking Path

Start Up Programming - $332,000
Projects already funded: Pilot projects with elementary and middle school students.
Projects for which support is needed: Curriculum development, Support for Kent and Auburn public school students to visit the Farm, Publicity & outreach, Docent training, Community events for 2009-10 public opening and inaugural season, Self-guided Walking Tour Brochure

Total Project Budget - $1,644,000
Funds Raised to Date - $1,444,000

Remaining Fundraising - Goal $200,000