For the Reporter
The White River Valley Museum and the Mary Olson Farm received $202,370 in grants and sponsorships over the past few months.
The funds will be applied toward construction of a new entry to the museum, purchase of educational equipment to use in fieldtrips at the farm, sponsorship of Museum Free Days, summer programs, events and exhibits, and care of the City of Auburn’s historic treasures.
Generous donors over the past six months include:
• $175,000 4Culture, Build 4Culture special program, to renovate the museum entry, paint the museum exterior and interior, and carpet highly trafficked areas
• $12,120 King Conservation District, to be used to purchase a Fiberglass life-size recirculating milking cow, two miniature donkeys and water testing kits all for use in fieldtrips. The grant also sponsors 400 students participation in 2016 Farm fieldtrips
• $3,400 4Culture, Collections Care Program, to assess and rehouse the large textile collection, comprised of historic carpets, quilts, blankets and throws
• $3,000 Wyman Youth Trust, to sponsor summer programs at the Museum and Farm
• $2,250 4Culture Arts Groups Projects Program, sponsor SERVICE INK, Veterans Tattoos and Their Stories, a 2015 exhibit
• $2,000 City of Auburn Arts Commission, sponsor Small Works Big Presents, the Gift of Art exhibit in 2016
• $2,000 Reber Ranch, Presenting sponsor for Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival 2015
$1,750 4Culture, Heritage Special Projects Program, sponsor Small Bags for Big Events, 100 Years of Pretty Purses, a 2016 exhibit
Umpqua Bank and Cook Family Dentistry each sponsored one Museum Free Day and the Kiwanis Club of the Valley supported two Free Days, together totaling $850. These sponsorships are used to offset lost revenue by waiving Museum admission on first Thursdays and third Sundays. Also of note, Auburn architect Allen Keimig is donating his time designing renovations to the White River Valley Museum building.
The Museum Board is thrilled with this level of support and looks forward to 2016 as a year of planning for physical changes and growth.
About the White River Valley Museum
The museum creates an exciting and educational experience for visitors though a series of award-winning exhibits and programs on regional cultures, arts and history. The Museum’s artifact collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Native culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railway.
The museum, 918 H St. S.E. in Auburn, is open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month the hours are extended from 6 to 8 p.m.
Regular admission is $5 adults, $2 seniors and children, children 2 years of age or younger are always free. Admission is free for everyone all day on the first Thursday and the third Sunday of every month.
Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
