Big Opportunity Knocks for the Heritage Association

The Vashon Maury Island Heritage Association has embarked on a vigorous campaign to raise $195,000 needed to respond to a sudden and unexpected opportunity. In just a few weeks a private residence next door to the museum, will be up for sale and it is the Heritage Association’s hope to purchase it.  Acquiring this property is a key piece in VMIHA’s long range vision to expand and develop a Heritage Campus with an education center geared towards families and children.  

After recently learning of the impending sale, volunteers rallied to formulate a plan and put the fundraising campaign in place.  “Our challenge is to reach our goal quickly.  The window of opportunity is here right now.  If we miss this, it may not come back for many years.  We’re reaching out to the broader Vashon community to help us obtain the needed down payment funds.  We really believe this is within reach if we can get the word out. ” said Deb Dammann VMIHA President.

 An email seeking pledges was sent to the museum’s members describing the campaign and VMIHA’s vision.  Pledges at various levels will receive gifts such as a harbor cruise, reservations for Miss Lucy’s Dinner, or personalized bricks.  VMIHA has also applied for a $65,000 grant from King County 4Culture, an agency which provides funding opportunities for projects related to heritage and historical preservation.  4Culture has been a supporter of the museum for years and Dammann, is very optimistic regarding the grant.  
   
The museum and the adjacent house have a unique and historical connection.  Opened in 2007, the museum resides in a building that was originally a Lutheran church, built by Norwegians in 1907.  In 1909 the church built a parsonage next door.  In 1956 the church and parsonage were sold by the congregation when the Lutheran church relocated south of Vashon’s business core.  Since that time, the former church building was home to Vashon Children’s Center before becoming the Heritage Museum; and parsonage has been a private residence.  Dammann states that “The current owner has been an excellent steward of this charming historic home, and a good neighbor to the museum.  We see a great opportunity to reunite the church and home so they can function together again for the benefit of the community.”

Dammann says they need more exhibit and storage space as the museum grows.   But the main drive for the purchase is VMIHA’s vision to attract families and children by creating a heritage education center where Vashon’s interesting and colorful history can come to life.  Initial ideas include offering engaging and interactive activities such as: Story time with descendants of actual Vashon pioneers, vintage gardening or butter churning; hands on displays where children can try on pioneer clothing and handle artifacts, and interactive computer exhibits.  The education center would also be able to offer classes for adults such as genealogy, artifact preservation and regional history.  

VMIHA is accepting pledges via their website www.vashonhistory.org or at the museum located at 10105 SW Bank Road.  Open hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 1-4p.m.  For additional information contact Development Chair Katharine Golding (206-567-4614); or President Deb Dammann (206-919-3547.)