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# orcasmuseums.org

Learn more about Orcas Island's history

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://orcasmuseums.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Historic "Fire Barn" To Be Retired](https://orcasmuseums.org/historic-fire-barn-to-be-retired/) - Fire Barn To Be Retired From Service September 16, 2026 The historic “Fire Barn” located behind the Orcas Island Historical Museums on the Village Green served many purposes during its 90-year lifespan. From garage to residence to garage again, the Fire Barn was most recently used as auxiliary storage for the Museums. After these decades
- [Internship Update from Mona Evans](https://orcasmuseums.org/intern-mona-evans/) - Internship Update from Mona EvansAs a lifetime resident of Orcas Island, I did not expect to discover Orcas to have such a rich and fascinating history. This summer, I had the opportunity to explore that history through an internship at the Orcas Island Historical Museum. An amazing grant opportunity through my school, Whitman College, paid
- [Thank You to GiveOrcas Supporters!](https://orcasmuseums.org/giveorcas-spring-2026-campaign-update/) - Thank You!With the continued help of our community, we will be able to plan for a permanent exhibit about the historic & continuing traditions of Coast Salish life on Orcas Island.This is an opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous colleagues, experts, and elders to broaden the perspectives of the stories we share about Orcas Island history.
- [Crow Valley School Museum Open for 2026](https://orcasmuseums.org/elementor-4616/) - Open Friday, May 22nd from 11am-3pm. Located at 1701 Crow Valley Road next to the North Trailhead for Turtleback Mountain Preserve. Limited parking available.Welcome to another season at the Crow Valley School Museum! Our knowledgeable docents will be onsite for this fun and informative look at an island education. Located next to the North Trailhead
- [Amplify Indigenous Voices at OIHM](https://orcasmuseums.org/giveorcas-spring-2026/) - OIHM has been building regional relationships and collaborating with Indigenous colleagues, experts, and elders to broaden the perspectives of the stories we share about Orcas Island history. Planning for future exhibits means continuing to honor all residents of these islands, including Coast Salish peoples who lived here since time immemorial and their descendants. OIHM’s mission to
- [Open House: Crow Valley School Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/orcas-clay-island-ceramics-through-the-years/) - Open House: Crow Valley School Museum April 7, 2026 Come on down to the Crow Valley School Museum on Friday, April 10th from 1-4 pm.Join a guided tour and learn more about student life at the turn of the 20th century. We are offering this open house as an opportunity to train our tourguides. If
- [Orcas Clay: Island Ceramics Through the Years](https://orcasmuseums.org/orcas-clay-exhibit-opening/) - New Exhibit Opening April 7, 2026 This ambitious and aesthetically inspiring display is an homage to generations of talented local artisans working with the medium of clay. The islands have long been a nurturing environment for the creative, the artistic, and the eclectic. Orcas Island has been especially welcoming to clay workers, from those making
- [Springtime Re-Opening](https://orcasmuseums.org/springtime-reopening-2026/) - Springtime Re-Opening March 10, 2026 The Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound is soon to be open for the season! Our first open day will be March 21st, 2026.We invite you to step through our doors and into the rich past of our unique island heritage. Open from 11am-3pm Thursday-Sunday, the Museum welcomes locals and
- [Third Annual Apple Tasting at the Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/third-annual-apple-tasting-at-the-museum/) - Third Annual Apple Tasting at the Museum September 19, 2025 Announcing our Third Annual Apple Tasting at the Museum!Kwiaht will be joining the Museum on Saturday, October 4th from 12:30-2:30pm. Come and sample dozens of varieties of local apples, enjoy fresh-pressed cider, and learn about Orcas Island’s heritage orchards. Although apple tasting will end at
- [Springtime Kingfisher Canoe Flip](https://orcasmuseums.org/springtime-kingfisher-canoe-flip/) - Springtime Kingfisher Canoe Flip May 8, 2025 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 ready for future transport.Thank you to everyone who came out today to assist. We had a team of about 20 people, and
- [New Outdoor Signs Installed](https://orcasmuseums.org/elementor-4233/) - New Outdoor Signs Installed May 1, 2025 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 era, and early industry on Orcas. A fourth sign will be installed at the Crow Valley School Museum. This is the the
- [Women's History Month: Rachel Adams](https://orcasmuseums.org/elementor-4195/) - Women's History Month: Rachel Adams (1926-2012) March 29, 2025 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 New Hampshire at only 19 years old. She had an accomplished 22-year long military career and worked in various US Army hospitals
- [Flipping the Kingfisher](https://orcasmuseums.org/elementor-4161/) - Flipping the Kingfisher February 11, 2025 Tags: Eastsound, Kingfisher Canoe 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 and will help protect the canoe against the PNW elements.Extra special thanks to Brandon Bolt, Eric Morris, and
- [Celebrating Indigenous People at Banner Bank](https://orcasmuseums.org/celebrating-indigenous-people-at-banner-bank/) - Celebrating Indigenous People at Banner Bank December 7, 2024 Tags: Banner Bank, Eastsound, Indigenous People During the month of November, Eastsound Banner Bank and the Orcas Island Historical Museums collaborated to honor Indigenous People’s month with a special exhibition of contemporary artworks on loan from the Museums. Due to the display’s popularity, Banner Bank has generously offered to extend
- [The Kingfisher Canoe](https://orcasmuseums.org/the-kingfisher-canoe/) - The Kingfisher Canoe December 7, 2024 Tags: Kingfisher Canoe, Orcas Island The Kingfisher is back home on Orcas Island!This cedar canoe was built by Dean Washington, a Lummi Elder and Canoe Builder. In 2016, it was purchased for Kids and Canoes, a program that works to bring kids from Orcas Island and Lummi Nation together
- [Harvest Time and Apple Tasting](https://orcasmuseums.org/harvest-time-and-apple-tasting/) - Harvest Time and Apple Tasting December 7, 2024 Tags: Girl Meets Dirt, Kwiaht 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 the day was “Sweet Green”, an unidentified heritage variety from Lum Farm/Coffelt Preserve.We’d like to thank everyone
- [Happy Holidays!](https://orcasmuseums.org/elementor-4074/) - Happy Holidays! December 27, 2024 Tags: Holiday, Museum Hours 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 next spring! Even though the cabins are closed for tours, the Museums’ office stays busy throughout our off-season. Staff

## Pages

- [Plan Your Visit](https://orcasmuseums.org/) - Our mission is to educate, inspire, connect and involve our community and visitors in the stewardship of our unique island history. Who We Are 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
- [Crow Valley School Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/crow-valley-school-museum/) - Crow Valley School Museum Take a step back in time to Orcas Island school days in the late 1800s. Plan Your Visit Hours Book a tour by emailing info@orcasmuseums.org or calling (360) 376-4849. Crow Valley School Museum is open for walk-in tours between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and is closed the rest of the
- [Programs](https://orcasmuseums.org/programs/) - Programs Orcas Voices Orcas Island Oral History Project​ Oral histories are an invaluable record of history and community, that once lost cannot be replicated. Oral histories engage our community, actively involving them in preserving history and empowering them to shape the narrative of their lives. We seek to curate a collection of oral histories that
- [Orcas Island Historical Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/orcas-island-historical-museum/) - Orcas Island Historical Museum Six original homestead cabins, a Main Gallery, and four additional links all containing a dynamic variety of historical exhibits. Plan Your Visit Hours Orcas Island Historical Museum 181 North Beach Road Eastsound SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 11am-3pm ClosedClosed11am-3pm11am-3pm11am-3pm11am-3pm The Front Desk is operated by volunteers. Please contact the Office to make an appointment with a
- [Become A Member](https://orcasmuseums.org/become-a-member/) - Become a Member Be Part of the Story… Join Us TodayMembership renews on July 1st annually.Your membership contributes to exhibit and program funding, facilities upkeep, staffing, and so much more that help to keep our Museums open and operating!Members always receive free admission to the Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound and the Crow Valley
- [Claims](https://orcasmuseums.org/happenings/claims/) - Claims The items listed below are currently undocumented artifacts held in the collection of The Orcas Island Historical Museums. All claims are subject to Washington’s RCW 63.26.040 (Notice of abandonment of property). Any person claiming ownership of the property must provide proof of ownership in writing to the Orcas Island Historical Museums. Please email info@orcasmuseums.org with
- [Happenings](https://orcasmuseums.org/happenings/) - Happenings Events Check out upcoming events, dates, and happenings at the Museum. Learn More Programs Learn about our ongoing projects and programs. Learn More Claims Review artifacts in our care subject to RCW 63.26.040 Notice of abandoned property. Learn More
- [Staff & Board](https://orcasmuseums.org/staff-board/) - Staff & Board Staff Click on each profile to learn more! Nancy Stillger Executive Director Debbie Durand Museum Administrator Michelle Hassebrock Program Administrator Parker Pavitt Operations Coordinator Terri Vinson Collections Specialist Mary Nash Mistress of the Garden Board Peter Fisher Board President Tony Giefer Vice President Bruce Culver Board Treasurer Glenn Aust Board Secretary Carol
- [Donate](https://orcasmuseums.org/donate/) - Donate Donations to Orcas Island Historical Museums fund new and ongoing programs, help us to maintain and protect our 130+ year old historic buildings, supports research and exhibits, and contribute to the day-to-day operations of the Museums. Please contact the office for information on how to donate physical items, including photographs.The Orcas Island Historical Museum
- [Exhibits](https://orcasmuseums.org/exhibits/) - Exhibits Ancient Orcas Island Bison Step into the ancient past to the Pleistocene on Orcas Island with ancient remains of Bison antiquus. Learn More Orcas Clay: Island Ceramics Through the Years This ambitious and aesthetically inspiring display is an homage to generations of talented local artisans working with the medium of clay. Learn More The Power
- [Main Gallery](https://orcasmuseums.org/main-gallery/) - On Display Now This ambitious and aesthetically inspiring display is an homage to generations of talented local artisans working with the medium of clay. The islands have long been a nurturing environment for the creative, the artistic, and the eclectic. Orcas Island has been especially welcoming to clay workers, from those making bricks to fine porcelain.
- [Volunteer](https://orcasmuseums.org/volunteer/) - Volunteer Opportunities For over four decades after the Museums’ inception in 1951, our collections and facilities were operated solely by community volunteers. Although we now have a team of professional staff, volunteers remain an integral part of our organization. There are so many ways to get involved with the Museums. To learn more, fill out
- [History](https://orcasmuseums.org/history/) - History We of the Orcas Island Historical Museums acknowledge that we are residing on the ancestral and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples, who have been here sincetime immemorial.These ancient peoples include the Lummi and related Samish tribes inthe Northwest part of our state. We honor and support their ongoing relationship with this land, its waterways,
- [Shop Products](https://orcasmuseums.org/shop-products/) - Local authors and Orcas-themed gifts Shop Books Shop Bricks Support Orcas Island Historical Museum and recognize your loved ones. Shop Now Shop Books Whether you’re into history reads or books with lots of pictures, we’ve got an island book for you! Shop Now
- [History Nooks](https://orcasmuseums.org/history-nooks/) - 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. 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.
- [Get Involved](https://orcasmuseums.org/get-involved/) - Get Involved Volunteer Opportunities Learn about the many different ways you can help your local history museum! Volunteer Become A Member Donate
- [Learn](https://orcasmuseums.org/learn/) - Learn 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. Learn More Explore Galleries Travel through time through photographs Learn More Research a Subject! Learn what Museum resources are available to you. Make an appointment to explore our
- [Annual Reports](https://orcasmuseums.org/annual-reports/) - Annual Reports 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
- [Research](https://orcasmuseums.org/research/) - Research The Museum’s archives and collections are available for research by appointment. Please contact the Museum Office to schedule a time. For online research request submissions, please see form below. Research Request Form Research Materials Available at the Museum Name Files in the Archives Subject File in the Archives PastPerfect Index Names & Subjects Oral History
- [The Power of Community: Connecting the San Juans](https://orcasmuseums.org/the-power-of-community-connecting-the-san-juans/) - The Power of Community: Connecting the San Juans Opened in the summer of 2024, our newest on-going exhibit explores the history of electricity on Orcas Island. Visitors are guided through a timeline of life on Orcas Island pre-electricity, the formation of our power cooperative, and are offered a glimpse into the future of green energy
- [Ancient Orcas Island Bison](https://orcasmuseums.org/ancient-orcas-island-bison/) - Ancient Orcas Island Bison Step into the ancient past to the Pleistocene on Orcas Island with ancient remains of Bison antiquus. This exhibit features the story and original skull of an extinct bison bull unearthed on Orcas in 2003. Carbon-dated to approximately 14,500 year old, the bones carry markings from stone tools used by humans to
- [About Us](https://orcasmuseums.org/about-us/) - About Us History Learn about the history of the society and Orcas Island, including a chronological timeline with photographs from the archives. Learn More Staff & Board Annual Reports
- [Galleries](https://orcasmuseums.org/galleries/) - Galleries The Museum’s Archives contain thousands of photographs, with over 8,000 digitized and counting. The following galleries are a sample from our collection. For more information on a particular photograph, to explore online databases of our collection, or to learn more about our archives, please see Research.All images provided by the Orcas Island Historical Museums will
- [Blog](https://orcasmuseums.org/blog/) - Blog Historic “Fire Barn” To Be Retired September 16, 2026 Internship Update from Mona Evans September 12, 2026 Thank You to GiveOrcas Supporters! May 22, 2026 Amplify Indigenous Voices at OIHM May 15, 2026 Crow Valley School Museum Open for 2026 May 4, 2026 Open House: Crow Valley School Museum April 7, 2026
- [Donation Confirmation](https://orcasmuseums.org/donation-confirmation/)
- [Donation Failed](https://orcasmuseums.org/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donor Dashboard](https://orcasmuseums.org/donor-dashboard/)
- [Test](https://orcasmuseums.org/test/)
- [Shop](https://orcasmuseums.org/shop/)

## Envira Albums

- [All images](https://orcasmuseums.org/album/all-photos/)

## Donation Forms

- [Donation Form](https://orcasmuseums.org/donations/givewp-donation-form-3/) - []
- [Membership Form](https://orcasmuseums.org/donations/givewp-donation-form-2/) - []

## Products

- [The Master](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/the-master-love-latitude-longitude-laughter/) - Written by Jan Ferris KoltunThis memoir is for anyone who wants to learn more about mastering an art, a job, a profession, or a life. The book combines well-researched history with reflection on the life of Capt. Harold Benjamin Ferris, a master mariner, airplane pilot, husband, and father.
- [The Disputed Islands](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/the-disputed-islands-ordinary-life-in-extraordinary-times/) - Author Boyd Pratt - “An American farmer shoots an English pig, sparking a war over an international boundary. Explore the disputed islands through the ordinary lives of the multi-ethnic, polyglot communities that lived in the San Juans during this conflict: how these islanders make their homes, work and socialize, and resolve their differences.” Join Boyd
- [The Light On The Island](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/light-on-the-island/) - By Helene GliddenThis special hard cover Collector's Edition of the San Juan Island classic, The Light on the Island, celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the construction of the Patos Island lighthouse in 1893 where the story takes place. Helene Glidden's unique sense of humor captures the spirit of adventure and hardships encountered by a lighthouse
- [Unusual Orcas Island](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/unusual-orcas-island-ghost-stories-and-other-legends/) - Written by Joseph ReigelOrcas Island , Washington has long been celebrated for its rare beauty and colorful history... but for many visitors and locals alike, the feeling that something strange lurks beneath the surface is all too real.Does Sasquatch really stalk the remote woods? Did pirates bury a fortune on Turtleback Mountain? Is there a
- [Orcas Island: A Visual History](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/orcas-island-a-visual-history-through-real-photo-postcards-mark-jenks/) - Written by Mark JenksAssembled from the author's personal collection of over 300 Orcas Island Real-Photo Postcards (RPPCs), these images provide a unique window into the incredible scenery and fascinating history of one of America's most beautiful islands. Generously annotated with historical facts and anecdotes, the black and white photo postcards trace the sights of Orcas
- [A Perilous Puzzle](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/a-perilous-puzzle-perils-of-homestead-ownership-in-1884/) - An Orcas Island - North Shore Historical Reference for Attorneys, Title Companies, and Property Owners. A true story of Captain Theron Judd Terrill, a pioneer of the Pacific. Family property hampered by perpetual errors. Endeavors respect using history. Author: Judi Watson
- [Pig War: Images of America](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/images-of-america-the-pig-war/) - By Mike VouriSan Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shore, quiet woodlands, and orca whales. But it was also here, in 1859, that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a dead pig. On July 18 of that year, Capt. George E. Pickett (later to lead the
- [On Island Time: A Traveler's Atlas](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/on-island-time-a-travelers-atlas/) - Written by Chandler O'Leary This travel guide showcases the hidden delights, natural wonders, and singular history of Washington and British Columbia's islands.
- [Geology of the San Juan Islands](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/geology-of-the-san-juan-islands/) - By Ned Brown This book will serve as a field guide to the fascinating geology of the San Juan Islands, in which numerous geologic sites are illustrated, interpreted, and located on detailed maps. Most, but not all, of these special places are on public lands.
- [Engraved Brick - 5" x 8", up to 3 lines](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/engraved-brick-5-x-9-up-to-3-lines/) - Support Orcas Island Historical Museum and create a timeless, personalized message to recognize your loved ones, honor a memory or celebrate a special event. Bricks are ordered and installed once a year, usually in the spring. Once you have placed your order we will provide you with a form for you to fill out with
- [Island Fishing](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/island-fishing/) - History and Seascape of Marine Harvesting in the San Juan Islands amid the Salish Sea. Author Boyd Pratt
- [Working Boats](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/working-boats/) - Come aboard and explore the exciting world of working boats! Want to know what happens during a Coast Guard rescue, what it's like to work on a scientific research vessel, or what's involved when crabbing in the cold waters of the North Pacific? This visually engaging book includes cross sections and exploded views, showing in
- [The Tower on Top of Mount Constitution](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/the-tower-on-top-of-mount-constitution/) - by Rolf Erifsen Mount Constitution is a dramatic mountain crowning Orcas Island in the central Salish Sea. On the very tip of the mountain is a 60 foot Medieval stone tower. From its dramatic vantage point it looks south beyond Mount Rainer and the Olympic Peninsula, east to Mount Baker and the Cascades, west over
- [Cabin on the Island](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/cabin-on-the-island/) - By Marte Harter Marte Harter's book, published posthumously, describes her first few years of life on Orcas Island. "In 1949, at the age of 28, Marte Harter and Tony Howard left city life behind to make a new home on Orcas Island. Against all odds, these two inspirational women bought a piece of land and proceeded
- [Engraved Brick - 8" x 8", up to 4 lines](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/engraved-brick-9-x-9-up-to-4-lines/) - Support Orcas Island Historical Museum and create a timeless, personalized message to recognize your loved ones, honor a memory or celebrate a special event. Bricks are ordered and installed once a year, usually in the spring. Once you have placed your order we will provide you with a form for you to fill out with
- [Engraved Brick - 8" x 8", up to 5 Lines](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/engraved-brick-9-x-9-up-to-5-lines/) - Support Orcas Island Historical Museum and create a timeless, personalized message to recognize your loved ones, honor a memory or celebrate a special event. Bricks are ordered and installed once a year, usually in the spring. Once you have placed your order we will provide you with a form for you to fill out with
- [Turtleback Farm Inn Cookbook](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/turtleback-farm-inn-cookbook/) - Written by Denise and Michael Shumway, with Susan and Bill Fletcher Turtleback Farm Inn, Orcas Island, Washington, is owned by innkeepers Susan and Bill Fletcher. The inn has been praised in Sunset, The Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Washington Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Western Living, and numerous other publications. Susan has received substantial media recognition and
- [Life On Orcas Island - Edee Kulper](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/life-on-orcas-island-edee-kulper/)
- [Patos Island Lighthouse](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/patos-island-lighthouse/) - Since 1893, a light has been shining from Patos Island, the northernmost island in Puget Sound. Built to guide ships through treacherous waters, the lighthouse was also a happy home for many, including Edward Durgan and his family in the early 1900s. Boundary waters smugglers and rumrunners once visited the island to stash their contraband,
- [Island Farming: History and Landscape of Agriculture in the San Juan Islands](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/island-farming-history-and-landscape-of-agriculture-in-the-san-juan-islands/) - By Boyd Pratt Farming in the San Juan Islands has always presented challenges and opportunities. From Coast Salish camas cultivation (camas bulbs were harvested and baked as a sweet, fructose-rich food by Native Americans) through homesteading to commercial farming, explore the islands’ rich agricultural history in the landscape and farms of today.
- [Peace Weavers: Uniting the Salish Coast Through Cross Cultural Marriages](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/peace-weavers-uniting-the-salish-coast-through-cross-cultural-marriages/) - By Candace Wellman Strategic cross-cultural marriages between Coast and Interior Salish families and pioneer men played a crucial role in mid-1800s regional settlement and spared Puget Sound's upper corner from tragic conflicts. Accounts of the husbands exist in a variety of records, but the native wives' contributions remained unacknowledged. Combining primary and secondary sources, genealogy,
- [An Unforeseen Journey](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/an-unforeseen-journey/) - By Mary Stewart Van Valkenburg Reviewed by Susan Violante for Reader Views (01/18) “An Unforeseen Journey” by Mary Stewart Van Valkenburg takes readers through the pioneering journey of a family. Lewis and Inez Howell had moved to Seattle from the Midwest with their four children. Inez was settling into the Seattle life nicely. As their
- [Lime: Quarrying and Limemaking in the San Juan Islands](https://orcasmuseums.org/product/lime-quarrying-and-limemaking-in-the-san-juan-islands/) - By San Juan Islander Boyd Pratt The book speaks about the successful limemaking industry in the San Juans. Formed through eons of geologic time and sculpted by glaciers, the limestone deposits along the islands’ shore provided the essential ingredient for the block and mortar that built and rebuilt the West Coast’s major cities.

## Events

- [Family Tides Fall Festival](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/family-tides-fall-festival/) - Family Tides Farm & Northwest Indian College Present FALL FESTIVAL 2026 Sunday, September 20th, 11am – 4pm Family Tides Farm – 6389 Deer Harbor Road Join the Orcas Island Historical Museums at Fall Fest, where we will feature fun ways to get involved in preserving and fostering the diverse cultural legacies of Orcas Island. The
- [Fourth of July Parade](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/fourth-of-july-parade/) - In a long-held island tradition, Orcas Island Historical Museums will be represented in the annual 4th of July Parade. Come out to march with us in a procession celebrating island history from time immemorial to the present day. Line-Up Time: 10:30-11:00 AM Line-Up Location: School Road Parade Start Time: 12:15 PM Wear an outfit from
- [DayFest with Orcas Island Pride](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/dayfest-with-orcas-island-pride/) - Orcas Island Historical Museums will be a part of Orcas Island Pride's DayFest event on Saturday, June 13th from 12-4:30pm at the Grange. Join the Museums for an afternoon of celebrating our island's cultural heritage by sharing a story or stopping by to make a craft. As the afternoon unfolds you can dance to a
- [Spring GiveOrcas: Fund an Indigenous History Exhibit](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/spring-giveorcas-fund-an-indigenous-history-exhibit/) - Fueled by generous donations of all sizes, GiveOrcas highlights local organizations that address the island’s most pressing needs and raises funds to bolster the programs that make Orcas a stronger and thriving community. Learn more about our campaign: https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=42044
- [Washington Museum Day](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/washington-museum-day/) - Stay tuned for more exciting updates about Washington Museum Day on August 8th, 2026.
- [Our Voices Together: An LGBTQ+ Story-Sharing Event](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/our-voices-together-an-lgbtq-story-sharing-event/) - Orcas Island Historical Museums invites you to a story-sharing event for LGBTQ+ islanders from 6-8pm on May 28th at the Public Library. Hosted with partners Orcas Island Library and Orcas Island Pride. All are welcome! Drop in, hang out, and make history. During this casual after-hours event, mingle for an evening of community and collaboration
- [2026 Seasonal Opening of Crow Valley School Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/2026-seasonal-opening-of-crow-valley-school-museum/) - Welcome to another season at the Crow Valley School Museum! Our knowledgeable docents will be onsite for this fun and informative look at an island education. Located next to the North Trailhead of Turtleback Mountain Preserve; come out for a day of picnicking and learn something new. The Crow Valley School was built in 1888
- [Apple Tasting at the Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/apple-tasting-at-the-museum/) - Announcing our Third Annual Apple Tasting at the Museum! Kwiaht will be joining the Museum on Saturday, October 4th from 12:30-2:30pm. Come and sample dozens of varieties of local apples, enjoy fresh-pressed cider, and learn about Orcas Island's heritage orchards. Although apple tasting will end at 2:30, we will be pressing apples until 3:30. The
- [Crow Valley School Closes for 2025](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/crow-valley-school-closes-for-2025/) - August 30th is the last day of the season for Crow Valley School Museum. The Museum will open again for walk-in tours Memorial Day Weekend 2026. Contact the Office for information on scheduling a private tour in the off-season.
- [Presentation: Big Apples, Big Business](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/presentation-big-apples-big-business/) - Join the Museums the Orcas Island Public Library for this FREE presentation on Washington's historic apple industry, given by Dr. Amanda Van Lanen. September 5th at 4:00pm.
- [Presentation: Development or Preservation?](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/presentation-development-or-preservation/) - Development or Preservation? How the Orcas and Lummi Community joined together to Save Madrona Point. Presentation by OIHM Board President, Peter C. Fisher, at the Orcas Center on Saturday, June 7th, 2pm. Admission is free, with any donations gifted to the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
- [Opening Reception: Madrona Point Insights](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/opening-reception-madrona-point-insights/) - Opening reception at the Orcas Center for Peter C. Fisher's exhibit, Madrona Point Insights. Friday, May 23rd. 5:30-7:00pm. Madrona Point is an ancestral burial ground for Lummi people, and there are three white and mixed blood cemeteries there. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of this sacred site and honors our spiritual connection to the past.
- [Silenced No More: Island Voices Near and Far](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/silenced-no-more-island-voices-near-and-far/) - Join the Orcas Island Historical Museums, in collaboration with the Orcas Island Library and Orcas Pride, for this LGBTQ+ story-sharing event. We will be highlighting a few historical figures in Island history, as well as encouraging attendees to submit their own stories and experiences about Orcas Island and their own sense of community and belonging.
- [Orcas Island Historical Museum Opening](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/orcas-island-historical-museum-opening/) - The Orcas Island Historical Museum opens for the 2025 season on March 20th. Spring hours are Thursday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.
- [The Art of Memoir: A Conversation](https://orcasmuseums.org/event/the-art-of-memoir-a-conversation/) - Join writers Edee Kulper and John Ashenhurst as they discuss their process writing memoirs of their time in the San Juan Islands. We’ll also explore the journals of Rachel Adams, a Crane and Orcas Islander who kept a daily journal for thirty years chronicling daily life. The Library is happily partnering with the Orcas Island

## Galleries

- [Other Islands](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/other-islands/)
- [Olga and Doe Bay](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/olga-and-doe-bay/)
- [Island Scenes](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/island-scenes/)
- [People](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/people/)
- [West Sound and Deer Harbor](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/west-sound-and-deer-harbor/)
- [Parades](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/parades/)
- [Eastsound](https://orcasmuseums.org/envira/eastsound/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://orcasmuseums.org/category/uncategorized/)

## Tags

- [Kwiaht](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/kwiaht/)
- [Girl Meets Dirt](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/girl-meets-dirt/)
- [Kingfisher Canoe](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/kingfisher-canoe/)
- [Orcas Island](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/orcas-island/)
- [Indigenous People](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/indigenous-people/)
- [Eastsound](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/eastsound/)
- [Banner Bank](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/banner-bank/)
- [Holiday](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/holiday/)
- [Museum Hours](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/museum-hours/)
- [Crow Valley School Museum](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/crow-valley-school-museum/)
- [events](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/events/)
- [Northwest Indian College](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/northwest-indian-college/)
- [family-friendly](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/family-friendly/)
- [Indigenous cultures](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/indigenous-cultures/)
- [free](https://orcasmuseums.org/tag/free/)

## Product categories

- [Books](https://orcasmuseums.org/product-category/books/)
- [Bricks](https://orcasmuseums.org/product-category/bricks/)

## Event Categories

- [Community Partners](https://orcasmuseums.org/events/category/community-partners/)