June 8, 2009	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

White River Valley Museum, Mary Olson Farm Receive Nearly $40,000 from Grants, Donations

AUBURN, Wash. – The White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm were recently awarded grants from 4Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors totaling nearly $37,000. The grants will be applied toward museum exhibits and completing restoration efforts at Mary Olson Farm. Additionally, community contributions totaling $2,750 will help fund free Wednesdays at the White River Valley Museum.

The grants specifically fund:

·       $15,000 from the 4Culture Heritage Cultural Facilities program to outfit the 1897 barn at Mary Olson Farm with electricity. The barn will be used as a classroom and performing arts facility.

·       $7,960 from 4Culture Landmark Rehabilitation to fund production of a cultural resource management plan for Mary Olson Farm.

·       $4,710 from the 4Culture Heritage Special Projects program to fund the temporary exhibit "Suffer for Beauty: A Retrospective of Women’s History as Evidenced by the Evolution of Undergarments" The exhibit runs Aug. 12 through Nov. 8 at White River Valley Museum.

·       $9,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors to restore the interior of the 1902 farmhouse at Mary Olson Farm.

Free Wednesday contributors include:

·       $1,500 from U.S. Bank provides three months of free Wednesdays

·       $500 from Valley Bank provides one month of free Wednesdays

·       $150 from each of these contributors provides one free Wednesday: Auburn Sons of Italy; Heather Woloshyn, DDS; Presiding Judge Patrick Burns, Municipal Court of Auburn; the Beyersdorf family; and the Richard Artura family

4Culture is the cultural services agency for King County providing programs, financial support and services in the arts, public art, heritage and historic preservation for all residents and visitors in King County.

In 1997, a generous gift from George P. Mitchell established the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors in honor of his wife. The fund provides assistance in the preservation, restoration and interpretation of historic interiors. Once a year, Mitchell Fund grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are awarded to non-profit groups and public agencies. Over one hundred thousand dollars were awarded in 2009. Grants must be matched at least dollar for dollar with public or private funds.

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.