The White River Valley Museum and the Mary Olson Farm have been the recipients of $66,490 through grants and sponsorships over the past few months.
The funds will be applied toward award-winning educational programs, care of treasured artifacts, creation of exhibits and on capital improvements at the farm.
The funds include:
• $30,000: 4Culture, King County’s Cultural Development Authority, for completion of water system, fencing and reproduction of Japanese Neighbor Sheds at Mary Olson Farm
• $18,000: 4Culture, for operating support
• $4,920: King Conservation District, increase of a prior award to construct livestock shelters, winter paddocks and manure bins at the farm
• $3,900: 4Culture, to develop standards of artifact care and monitoring equipment for the farm
• $2,920: Rebate from PSE for efficient lighting alternatives in galleries at the museum
• $2,000: Nelsons Jewelry & Gifts, sponsoring I DO exhibit
• $2,000: City of Auburn Arts Commission, to sponsor Small Works Big Presents, the Gift of Art exhibit
• $1,000: White River JACL to sponsor NIHON/WA: Japanese Heritage-Washington Artists
• $1,000: Auburn Soroptomists to sponsor 2013 school field trips to the farm, and a month of free admission to the museum on Wednesdays
• $750: Auburn Rotary, sponsor Farm open hours, summer 2013
About Mary Olson Farm
The museum worked with the City of Auburn to restore the farm, winner of Best Restoration 2012 by Historic Seattle. The farm is a King County Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Significant features include an 1897 barn, a fully restored 1902 farmhouse, a century-old orchard, three salmon runs in Olson Creek and a remarkable collection of outbuildings, including a smoke house, outhouse and weaving house. The farm operates as a living history and environmental learning site, and is open for drop-in visits, weekend days, June 22 to Aug. 25, from noon to 5 p.m. The farm is at 28728 Green River Road SE, Auburn 98092.
About the White River Valley Museum
The museum combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors though a series of award-winning exhibits. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is at 918 H St. SE, Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
