White River Valley Museum, Mary Olson Farm Receive Over $20,000 in Grants, Donations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2010

Contact:
Patricia Cosgrove, Director
White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm
253-288-7437
pcosgrove@auburnwa.gov  

AUBURN, Wash. – May 27, 2010 - The White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm were recently awarded grants from 4Culture, United Natural Foods, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Kent. The grants total $14,188 and will be applied toward educational programs and completing restoration efforts at Mary Olson Farm. Additionally, community contributions received this year to help fund free Wednesdays at the museum total $6,150.

The grants specifically fund: 

• $4,500 from the 4Culture Heritage Cultural Education Program to create Westward Migration study kits for use in regional schools 
• $4,500 from the 4Culture Heritage Special Projects Program to make scans and inventories of the White River Valley Museum archive collection available on the museum's website 
• $2,500 from United Natural Foods, Inc. to restore the natural environment at Mary Olson Farm 
• $1,688 from the 4Culture Landmarks Rehabilitation Program for needed modifications to the antique wagon road that serves as an entry path to Mary Olson Farm
• $1,000 from the Rotary Club of Kent for signage at Mary Olson Farm

Free Wednesday contributors include:

• $1,500 from U.S. Bank, Auburn branch for three months of free Wednesdays 
• $1,000 from Columbia Bank, Auburn branch for two months of free Wednesdays 
• $500 from the Kiwanis Club of the Valley for one month of free Wednesdays 
• $500 from Valley Bank for one month of free Wednesdays 
• $400 from Soroptimist International of Auburn for three free Wednesdays 
• $150 from each of these contributors provides one free Wednesday:
• Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association
• Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation
• Ronnie and Rosetta Beyersdorf
• Order Sons of Italy — Auburn #1955
• Auburn Noon Lions Club
• Thomas A. Campbell Law Offices
• Robert K. Nieman, DDS
• Kim A. Anardi, DDS
• Gerry Honeysett
• Patrick R. Burns, Auburn Municipal Court Judge
• Heather Woloshyn, DMD, MSD
• Simply Smiles by Stuart Rich, DDS, PS
• Paul and Mary Hosoda
• Village Green Retirement Campus
• VFW White River Valley Post #1741

ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad. According to the 2007 Washington State Visitors Guide, the White River Valley Museum is the best local history museum in the state.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 918 H St. S.E. in Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.

ABOUT MARY OLSON FARM
The White River Valley Museum is working with the City of Auburn to restore Mary Olson Farm, the most intact 1880s family farm in King County. Mary Olson Farm is a King County Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant features include an 1897 barn, a 1902 farmhouse, a century-old orchard and two salmon runs in Olson Creek. The farm is slated to open to the public in late 2010 as a living history and environmental learning site.

# # #

White River Valley Museum
918 H St. S.E.
Auburn, WA 98002
253-288-7433
www.wrvmuseum.org