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Appearing semi-regularly in The Islands’ Sounder, History Nook articles written by Museum staff and volunteers briefly highlight people, stories, and events throughout Orcas history. A sample of these articles are available below.
We’re looking for sponsors for History Nook! Reach out if you’re interested in helping us continue publishing stories in our local newspaper.
Learn more about Orcas History from these History Nooks
Learn more about the characters and their tales that make up Orcas Island’s past
Learn more about the early industries on Orcas through these History Nooks
Special thanks to Pegi Groundwater for this History Nook series
Special thanks to Edrie Vinson for these Patos Island History Nooks
Our mission is to educate, inspire, connect and involve our community and visitors in the stewardship of our unique island history. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch!
© 2025 Orcas Island Historical Museum. All rights reserved. Created by udooku
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.