May 1st, 2009	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM ANNOUNCES SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

Auburn, Wash. – Visiting the White River Valley Museum this summer is an affordable and fun way for the entire family to learn more about local Puget Sound art, history and culture. Regular museum admission is only $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors and free on Wednesdays. Unless otherwise noted, museum events are included with the cost of admission. Call 253-288-7433 for event information.

Family Day: The Wonders of Wood, June 13, noon – 4 p.m.
Explore wood and woodcarving hands-on with games, demonstrations and fun for the whole family. In conjunction with the exhibit “Woodworks, Items of Use and Beauty” now open through July 26.

Hooked on History, Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

A new theme is explored each week. Discover the museum’s collections with special guests, stories, games, music and crafts. Free and no registration is required.

“Phenomenal Photographs,” July 8. Take a pictorial adventure through the museum’s collections.

“Map It!,” July 15. Search for fascinating facts in this geographic free-for-all.

“Art Through the Ages,” July 22. Discover artistic expressions from past to present.

“Read All About It!,” July 29. Enjoy a literary exploration through history.

“Traveling West,” Aug. 5. Take part in a fun-filled investigation of early settlers to the White River Valley.

Books Bring History Alive, Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – noon

For children ages two to five. A new book is selected each week to read aloud in the galleries followed by a simple, complimentary craft project. Free and no registration is required. July 10, 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7.

Junior Curator’s Summer Camp, Aug. 17 – 21, 9 a.m. – noon

Does your child love collecting stuff and investigating history? Then the Junior Curator’s Summer Camp is the place to be this summer. Participants explore the museum’s collections, research mysterious historic artifacts, create art projects with recycled photographs, perform conservation experiments, and learn history through games. Camp concludes with a kid-created exhibit and reception. Ages eight to 12. Cost is $60 per child. Pre-registration is required by calling 253-288-7433.

Annual Model Railroad Show, Sept. 12 and 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Get on the right track to fun and celebrate the trains that shaped Auburn and surrounding areas. So many model railroads from G scale Lionel to N scale that the museum is unable to hold them all! The Model Railroad Show takes place both at the museum and directly across the street in the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. Hands-on activities for all ages. Also visit the museum’s permanent exhibit “Auburn Depot, 1924.” Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors.

About Mary Olson Farm

The White River Valley Museum is working with the City of Auburn to restore Mary Olson Farm, the most intact 1880s family farm in King County. It opens in late 2009 as a living history and environmental learning site. The farm is a King County Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant features include an 1897 barn, a 1902 farmhouse and two salmon runs in Olson Creek.

About the White River Valley Museum

The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children, and free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.