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About History98520.org
HISTORY98520, incorporated as The Friends of the Aberdeen Museum, is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and interpreting the cultural history of Grays Harbor generally and Aberdeen specifically. The organization served as managers of the Aberdeen Museum of History from its 1983 inception until June 9, 2018 when the museum was ravaged by fire.
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Our History
In 1976 community leaders felt it was important to build a museum to preserve the rich and colorful history of the area. Aberdeen Mayor Fran White envisioned a museum staffed by a city-employed curator working with volunteers. City council rejected that idea, and the city attorney was tasked to draw up articles of incorporation to create a new nonprofit whose stated purpose was to “assist in the planning, development, establishment, management and support of a museum or museums or historical programs in or around the Aberdeen area.”
Friends of the Aberdeen Museum (FRIENDS) was officially incorporated on June 19, 1978.
With the gift of the Aberdeen Armory building to the city in 1980, FRIENDS members and pioneer families began to turn over their amassed collections to the new museum. As with many small museums, the collection grew faster than the organization’s ability to photograph and create proper paper documentation for every item it received. Many items were donated without the desired Provenance (details tying it to the area. This resulted in a large and wonderfully diverse collection that included many rare and one-of-a-kind documents and artifacts as well as a tremendous recordkeeping backlog. The Armory gym was converted into a museum.
With Your Help, We are Restoring Our History
The incredible support from our dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and thoughtful donations is fueling our mission to acquire a new building and restore the historic artifacts that were tragically damaged in the fire. Each contribution, whether it comes from a handful of enthusiastic individuals or a larger entity standing behind us, brings us closer to preserving the rich stories embedded in our community’s history. Our volunteers are tirelessly working to catalog and protect our beloved artifacts, while our sponsors provide vital resources to help us create a safe, welcoming space for future generations to explore and learn. With every dollar raised and every hand that helps, we are not just rebuilding a museum; we are revitalizing our connections to the past, ensuring that our shared heritage is honored and celebrated. Together, we are turning adversity into opportunity, paving the way for a robust and inspiring future for the Aberdeen Museum.
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Our Mission & Approach
Rebuilding our future, Recovering out past
At Friends Of The Aberdeen Museum, our mission is to weave the vibrant tapestry of Aberdeen’s history, from its founding days to the present, by envisioning a revitalized museum in a new location that honors our past while inspiring future generations. We are committed to preserving the unique stories and artifacts that define our community, ensuring that every piece of history is meticulously restored and celebrated. Through the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and local partners, we aim to create a welcoming space that invites exploration and education, rekindling connections to our shared heritage and fostering a collective pride in the rich narrative of Aberdeen. Together, we are not merely rebuilding a museum; we are igniting a movement to cherish and elevate the legacy of our beloved city for years to come.
