Our mission is to educate, inspire, connect and involve our community and visitors in the stewardship of our unique island history.

The Orcas Island Historical Museum

Learn the stories of Orcas Islanders from time immemorial, homestead era, and up through modern times. Our exhibits showcase a rich variety of personal stories, works of art and industry, natural history, and artifacts of the lives of islanders who, through a wide mix of experiences and cultures, have defined the unique spirit of the island.

The Crow Valley School Museum

One of the finest examples of an intact one room schoolhouse in Washington State, we provide visitors with a unique interpretive experience. The lovingly preserved building is outfitted as it would have been during its years of operations during 1888-1918, with displays and artifacts that immerse the visitor in the life of school children and educators.

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The Kingfisher Canoe

The Kingfisher Canoe The Kingfisher is back home on Orcas Island!This cedar canoe was built by Dean Washington, a Lummi Elder and Canoe Builder. In

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Michelle Hassebrock

Program Administrator

Michelle grew up in Whatcom County and has lived on Orcas Island since 2020. In the spring of 2022, she joined the Museums as a weekly docent. Within a year, Michelle decided to bite the bullet and become a full-time staff member. She now works as the Program Administrator, and is currently working on revitalizing the Oral History Project and designing new exhibits.

Debbie Durand

Museum Administrator

An Orcas resident since 2017, Debbie has family ties to what feels like half of Olga and beyond. She teases she knows more of her husband’s family history than he does. Debbie is our museum admin, but also bookkeeper for many island businesses, and treasurer to several non-profits beyond the park. 

Nancy Stillger

Executive Director

Nancy has lived on Orcas since 2020 coming here as an empty nester with her avid sailor husband. Nancy is New Mexico born, raised in Singapore and then has had many other stints up and down the West Coast. She has over 30 years in the non-profit industry always working in the areas of arts, culture, literature and heritage. She has a BA degree in Economics from Scripps College and a MA in Urban Planning from UCLA with an emphasis on the history of the built environmen.