Museum’s diligence raises $68,500 to support programs

The White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm have raised $68,500 through grants, sponsorships and various fundraising efforts.

November 11, 2011 3:30 pm

The White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm have raised $68,500 through grants, sponsorships and various fundraising efforts.

Museum Director Patricia Cosgrove said WRVM will apply the money toward award-winning educational programs, exhibits and continued restoration efforts at the farm.

Here is where the money comes from:

• $40,000 awarded by 4Culture, the cultural services agency for King County, to be used for fencing and landscape restoration at Mary Olson Farm.

• $22,000 raised from the White River Valley Museum Halloween Costume Ball Oct. 29, which will be applied toward educational programs. Auburn Chevrolet, BECU and museum board member Mike Miller sponsored this year’s ball.

• $4,500 raised at the second annual Hops & Crops Harvest Festival in September. The event benefits ongoing restoration and preservation efforts at Mary Olson Farm.

• $2,000 from the City of Auburn Arts Commission for “Small Works, Big Presents: The Gift of Art.” On display Nov. 16 to Dec. 18, the fourth annual exhibition and art sale is a joint effort of the City of Auburn and WRVM.

The White River Valley Museum has worked with the City of Auburn to restore Mary Olson Farm, the best preserved historic subsistence farm in King County. The King County landmark is 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 collection of outbuildings, among them a smoke house, outhouse and weaving house.

Mary Olson Farm operates as a living history and environmental learning site and is available for community and special events.

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 center on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway. It is open from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays at 918 H St. S.E. in 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.