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History Nooks

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.

Explore Galleries

Travel through time through photographs

Research a Subject!

Learn what Museum resources are available to you. Make an appointment to explore our files, conduct remote research via staff, or connect to other collections and databases!

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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.