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.
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.
Springtime Kingfisher Canoe Flip In preparation for this year’s canoe journeys through the Salish Sea, we flipped the Kingfisher Canoe right-side up again to finish maintenance repairs and get it
New Outdoor Signs Installed We installed three outdoor signs at the Orcas Island Historical Museum in late April. These signs give visitors a brief history on the Museum, the homestead
Women’s History Month: Rachel Adams (1926-2012) For Women’s History Month, the Museums would like to highlight the late Rachel Adams. Born in 1926 in Maine, Rachel graduated from the University of
Flipping the Kingfisher Over 30 community members showed up last Saturday to help the Museums turn over the 40ft long, cedar Kingfisher canoe. This will prevent rain from pooling inside
Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays and New Year from the staff of the Orcas Island Historical Museums! Our 2024 season has come to a close, but you can catch us again
Harvest Time and Apple Tasting Kwiaht brought OVER 50 different apple varietals to the Museum this Saturday for visitors to sample and rank, and… Results are in! The winner of
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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.
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 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 environment.