First of several fundraisers for Orcas museum

The Orcas Island Historical Society Jan. 31 dinner and birthday celebration for Robert Moran at Rosario Resort marks the first of several events scheduled for 2004, all of which are intended to raise the money that’s needed to expand the museum, better protect the items in the collection, and improve service to the community.

On March 12, the historical society, in connection with Women’s History Month, will hear Sharon Kinley, archaeologist for the Lummi Nation. She will speak at Orcas Center on the archaeology of the San Juan Islands. Dessert will be served. One month later, on April 7, there will be a dinner at the Orcas Hotel commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the hotel.

Meanwhile, museum board members and staff will actively pursue grants from state agencies, foundations, and private donors. One such plan is to create a “$1,000 Club” made up of 300 individuals donating $1,000 each. “Not only will this be a huge contribution to the project, but we also want to impress upon people that one can easily give a thousand dollars if payments are made monthly over three years,” says Museum Curator Jen Vollmer, who notes that 19 people have already joined the club by making the pledge.

Overall fundraising goal is to raise $600,000 for the building, plus another $125,000 for an endowment. Total cost for the building project is $864,500. The funds will be used for renovation of the existing museum facility; construction of an 1,861-square-foot addition for operating support and collection storage; project management during construction; climate controlled heating/HVAV system, furnishing, fixtures and equipment; revision of permanent exhibits; site improvements/landscaping; and fundraising expenses (i.e. grant writer and funds development advisor fees, etc).

The museum also hopes to raise $250,000 for an endowment, the interest of which will be used to help offset increases in operating expenses resulting from the completion of the building project.

The historical society wants to complete the fundraising drive in 2004, and complete the work next year. Board members are hoping that they can finish the entire project at once, instead of in stages, because the cost will be far less overall, Vollmer says.

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