Island County Museum Coupeville, WA

Mammoth Day!

2011-06-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Coupeville - Ever wonder who lived here before the settlers? - Long before the settlers - perhaps even before the ancestors of the Lower Skagit Indians - like 12-15,000 years ago? Woolly Mammoths were here, at the end of the last Ice Age - and it appears there were people here too - eating them for dinner!
On September 17, from 10-4, the Island County Historical Museum celebrates "all things Mammoth". This fun, family-friendly event showcases the Dale Conklin Collection of mammoth remains - most of those remains (and a 120,000 year-old Ice Age Tree trunk) were collected here on Whidbey Island. Some of the mammoth bones have "green breaks" of the bone, which indicate the bones were broken after the animal was dead - implying that mammoth was "what's for dinner".
Kids activities, and modern-day "mammoth hunters" will be featured for fun, and to answer your questions.
Call 360-678-3310 for information.

Camano Schoolhouse Foundation Springs to Life!

2011-05-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jim Turk and his Board, and to Rudi Mueller for filing their Articles and receiving their incorporation papers from the State of Washington, for the Camano Schoolhouse Foundation.
This is an important first step in achieving federal non-profit status, and an important milestone in the purchase of the historic 1905 Camano City schoolhouse. ICHS is proud to be a partner in this important project, and is excited to see growing community involvement.
Special thanks to Rudi Mueller, our attorney pro bono, for his generous service and sage advice, and for his love of historic preservation.
Well done - Onward and upward!

Kids Want to Save Schoolhouse

2011-05-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Highly Capable Class of Mrs. Anderton, Twin City Elementary, in Stanwood raised another $101.20 from the sale of a school newspaper they created to help support the purchase of the historic Camano City Schoolhouse on Camano Island. The hard work and dedication of these 8-12 year olds is inspiring and truly appreciated!
The Schoolhouse in question is a 1905 treasure - it is also the last of non-privately-owned one-room schoolhouses left in Island County. The newly-formed Camano Schoolhouse Foundation has been formed to raise the funds needed to purchase the Schoolhouse from the Camano Island Fire District for $100,000 - and will use the schoolhouse as a community gathering place. For information on how you can help, please email ed-ichs@whidbey.net.
"Hats off" to these generous young citizens, for working to make a difference in their community!
Bravo!!

New Copier Coming Soon!

2011-05-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Now that our tired old machine is officially an artifact, ICHS is proud to announce that funding was generously donated by one of our great supporters to purchase a brand-new, commercial-grade color copier! This is fantastic news, as this will allow us to do so many printing chores in-house, thereby saving time and money - both scarce resources... Thank you Bill and Joan Peters for your awesome generosity!

Museum Copier Becoming an Artifact!

2011-04-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

After many faithful years of service, the museum's antiquated commercial copier has entered its "golden years". Although ICHS holds a maintenance agreement on the machine, our well-intended repair person shudders whenever we call for his service - not because he doesn't want to help - it is because replacement parts no longer exist!
A copier is not a luxury item for any museum. Even with the advent of digital storage and communications, all of our archival material is backed up on "hard copy" - just in case the power goes out....
If you would like to help us purchase a much needed and long-overdue commercial-grade copier, you will be doing a great service for Island County history. Not only will we be able to continue in our archival back up - we will save hundreds in copying charges every time we host a program, print fliers, brochures, etc.
Our budget for a new copier is $5,000. We have collected $1550 thus far, thanks to the Daughters of Washington Pioneers, and a private donation. Please mail your "adopt a copier" dontation to ICHS; POB 305; Coupeville, WA 98239. Please print "copier" on the memo line of your check - or call us at 360-678-3310.
Thank you for your support!

"Menace of Mechanical Music" starts June 15!

2011-04-14T13:48:00.001-07:00

June 15 - September 11 - “The Menace of Mechanical Music” A direct quote by famous bandleader John Phillip Sousa, who predicted the end of live music when Edison’s famous record machine first appeared - and recorded music was brought into our homes (“I want my MTV!”). A great assortment of record players, radios, and special performances by our amazing 1920 Wurlitzer Band Organ (and some live music too!) will be featured as our special Summer exhibit! family friendly

May Museum Membership Month

2011-04-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Island County Historical Society is looking to increase their membership. As an independent 501c3 non-profit organization, a healthy membership roster is of great importance to their sustainability. During May, museum Trustees and volunteers will be calling on their friends and neighbors to JOIN NOW and SAVE! SAVE our history - AND - SAVE 5 bucks off any level of membership that works best for you. For more information about membership, and a downloadable form, please visit www.islandhistory.org We really need YOU! Thanks for your support, and for caring about Island County History.

Fundraising Dance May 20!

2011-04-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Coupeville – The Island County Historical Museum is hosting a fundraising dance on Friday, May 20, at the Coupeville Rec Hall, from 7pm-11pm. The popular Whidbey Island band “Paid ‘N Full” will feature music from the 60’s and 70’s - a mixture of rock, pop, and a little country.

Museum Executive Director Rick Castellano said the Museum Board of Trustees are looking for fun ways to engage new supporters. The museum, like many other non-profits is struggling for adequate funding. Castellano said “It’s no secret our membership is an aging membership, and some new faces are critical to our survival and growth”. The Island County Museum is an independent non-profit organization that gets most of its support from membership, donations, and fundraising. The Town of Coupeville and Island County also provide some support. Established in 1949, the museum cares for more than 20,000 items of local history in its collections. A historical Archives and Research library are available to the public by appointment.

The fundraising dance’s theme is “Remembering the 60’s and 70’s”. Partygoers are encouraged to break out their bellbottoms and peasant blouses, skinny jeans and leather jackets. A fun contest will be held for the “Coolest Threads”. A raffle will also be held. Anyone with “slick wheels” from the 60’s and 70’s is highly encouraged to join the fun, and park their classics in the Rec Hall lot for all to enjoy. Please call ahead to reserve a good parking spot for your cool ride!

Tickets to the event are $15 each, or $20 at the door. Giant “Prairie Dog” Polish hot dogs, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Special discounted membership for new members will also be offered during the event, as part of the museums “May Museum Membership Month”. All proceeds benefit the Island County Historical Museum. For tickets and information, call 360-678-3310, or www.islandhistory.org

http://www.islandhistory.org/