Opinion: Tough Times For History

By Tom Welch
President, Orcas Island Historical Society

Like many other island organizations, public support makes all the difference to the Historical Society and our ability to operate the museum. We’ve seen stalwart and steadfast support over the years from our members and our island community that has allowed us to complete our new administration building and the incredible entry gallery, but our building campaign won’t be over until we complete the log cabin preservation and install ducting for heating and air conditioning. So we still have some work to do, and money to raise, before the museum can be open in the winter months.

The Historical Society and Museum receive tax monies in the form of Hotel/Motel tax receipts granted to the museum by the county, but we receive no other tax or government support, of any type. The tax monies we do receive amount to about $1,800 per month, which is less than 18% of our total operating budget. The rest of our money comes from memberships and renewals, donations, and small grants. As the economy begins to suffer from the current downturn, we share the pain as our donations decline and the grant environment becomes more difficult. Your support is critical to us.

We’re not just talking money shortages here, we’re unfortunately also talking about curtailing services. The board of directors has been forced to reduce our Director/Curator to half-time at half pay, with a portion of the administrative details of the museum now being handled by board volunteers. More volunteers are needed as we plan the staffing needed for our museum exhibit season, and all interested are urged to contact the museum (376-4849) or Tom Welch (376-2036).

History can be a great teacher if we only heed the lessons it offers. Orcas Islanders have survived and thrived through many economic downturns before, but the changes each has brought have made fundamental changes in our island culture and community. Are we seeing a reversal of the transformation from agriculture to tourism that began a hundred years ago? Are we witnessing another type of transformation? Only history will tell the real story, and only if it has been preserved and protected and stewarded so all can study and understand what has gone on, and how our island community may have changed. This is important, and this is the job we do at the Orcas Island Historical Museum. Come and join us – it’s fascinating, fun, and rewarding!