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Our Founders
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In 2025 The Friends of the Aberdeen Museum started dba as History98520 in order to allow us more flexibility in sharing history and engaging with the community in the absence of a fully functioning museum. We operate a micro museum in our offices 3 days each week with the support of community members and other local museums.
Our Founders
The Friends Of The Aberdeen Museum (Now History 98520)
Founder
Emily Airhart
Original Founder - Friends Of Aberdeen
Emily Airhart came from Malinowski stock who settled on the upper Wishkah in the early 1900’s. The Malinowski Dam which supplies the city’s water from the upper Wishkah River is named for her uncle, Joseph Malinowski. Emily was the last original founder still volunteering until 3 weeks before her death in February of 2018.
Founder
Louise Fairbairn
Original Founder - Friends Of Aberdeen
Louise Fairbairn was raised in Hoquiam, where her father served as Mayor. Louise was known for many years by all the area’s sports teams as a frequent confidant. She & her husband, known to all as Bus, cared for and resided at the Natatorium pool, basketball court & football stadium. Their door was always open and frequently used!
Founder
James Stewart
Original Founder - Friends Of Aberdeen
James Stewart was raised in a family that originally settled on the lower Wishkah. Stewart’s Ball Field & James Stewart Memorial Park are named for his father. “Jimmy” practiced law in the area for many years.
Founder
Cyrus Gonigam
Original Founder - Friends Of Aberdeen
Cyrus Gonigam was not from the area but he pastor-ed the First Congregational Church. It was from the original 1890 Congregational church building that the beautiful Pioneer & No Cross No Crown stained glass windows and large bell were later moved to the Aberdeen Armory museum. He was the Bursar of Grays Harbor Collage and Sociology in 1964.
