November 06, 2008	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

Auburn’s Historical Museum Continually Works to be Resource for Stories of “Ordinary People, Extraordinary History”

AUBURN, Wash. – Researchers and history buffs interested in Washington state’s White River Valley region can turn to improved features and search functionality on the White River Valley Museum Web site, including a new photo archive containing nearly 5,000 historic images.

The photo archive can be searched using keywords and includes vintage images of the local Puget Sound region, Northern Pacific Railroad, Japanese-Americans, Northwest Indian culture and more.

The “Auburn Our Story” videos are a series of short documentaries featuring residents that have a unique perspective on Auburn’s history, including interviews with six local Northern Pacific Railroad retirees, a Japanese-American who experienced internment during World War II, an antique sawmill operator, a life-long teacher, and a long-time butcher from the first supermarket on the West Coast.

The Web site can also be searched for stories and information steeped in local history. For example, enter the keyword “outlaw” and learn how Harry Tracy held the Johnson family captive on Mary Olson Farm in 1902 following his escape from the Oregon Penitentiary. Dubbed “the last horseback outlaw,” Tracy later shot himself to avoid capture and the gun is part of the museum’s permanent displays.

Click on “Exhibits” to get information on the latest displays and taking self-guided tours of key historical sites in Auburn.

The improved site reflects the branded design of “The White River Journal,” the museum’s quarterly newsletter committed to telling the stories of the White River Valley region’s “ordinary people, extraordinary history.” Back issues of “The White River Journal” are available for download on the Web site.

The White River Valley Museum Web site is designed and maintained by Webmaster Dan Flax.

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.