Sadly, the financial crisis affects the stewards of island history as much as it impacts other vital parts of our community. Unable to continue funding her position, the board of directors of the Orcas Island Historical Museum was recently forced to terminate Curator Micki Ryan’s contract. While Micki’s professional knowledge and skills will be sorely missed, the board felt it had no choice but to drastically reduce expenses, beginning with our one paid staff member.

Board members and volunteers are already at work on plans for the Opening Day party on May 22, and the museum will be open for a complete season until normal closing in September. The board appreciates the fact that trained professional staff are critical to museum operations – and we particularly appreciate the fact that Orcas Island history is so unique, and of such potential importance to far-reaching theories on human migration because of our ancient bison discovery, that our museum merits a prominent place in our community, our state, and very possibly far beyond.

But the facts of our finances can’t be avoided or overlooked, so we’ve taken the necessary steps to correct our situation and rebalance our budget. Now we will rebuild, refocus, and look forward.

Tom Welch

President, Board of Directors

Orcas Island Historical Society and Museum