Auburn’s Historical Museum Hosts APPLETINI TUESDAY to Introduce the Mary Olson Farm to Potential Funders
Auburn, Wash. – The White River Valley Museum hosted its second Appletini Tuesday on May 20th at the historic Mary Olson Farm. On a sunny day, with refreshments in hand, 65 people toured the farm, learned of its history and of the City of Auburn’s plans to open it as a living history and environmental learning park. Capital Campaign Chair Judi Roland spoke to those assembled, explaining the need to raise the last $200,000 to complete the $1.64 million restoration budget. She noted that if all goes as planned, the Farm should open to the public in 2009.
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, and 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.
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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.
The Board of the White River Valley Museum oversees the fundraising and restoration. They plan to hold another event for prospective donors in September. If you are interested in learning more about the Farm, its restoration and funding, please call Patricia Cosgrove, Museum and Farm Director, at 253 288-7437, or email her at pcosgrove@auburnwa.gov
ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon – 4 p.m. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 for event information.
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