December 15, 2009	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Director White River Valley Museum
For Immediate Release		253-288-7437 pcosgrove@auburnwa.gov

White River Valley Museum Announces Holiday Closure, 2010 Events

AUBURN, Wash. – The White River Valley Museum is closed Dec. 21 through Jan. 5 for the holidays. Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Join the White River Valley Museum for the following events when it reopens on Jan. 6. Unless otherwise noted, events are included with the regular museum admission of $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month.

On Track: The Railroad Photographs of Warren McGee, Jan. 13 - Apr. 18
White River Valley Museum is a host museum for the traveling exhibit celebrating Warren McGee's photograph collection that chronicles and pays tribute to 20th century Northern Pacific trains from Montana to Washington state. Features nearly 40 stunning photographs taken by McGee over a 60-year period, beginning in the 1930s and continuing through the 1990s. Sponsored by Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association, Montana Department of Transportation and Montana Historical Society.

Film Screening of "Auburn Our Story: The Auburn Yard," Jan. 16, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

In 1913, Northern Pacific Railroad (NPR) built a large switching yard in Auburn, Wash. where the NPR east/west line met its north/south line. "The Auburn Yard" is part of the "Auburn Our Story" video series and includes in-depth interviews with six NPR retirees who worked the yard.

Museum Open House and Railroad Lecture, Feb. 5, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Museum open house is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a railroad lecture and slideshow at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors/children. Museum membership categories Train Master, Conductor and Engineer attend for free.

Railroad Veterans Panel Discussion, Feb. 6, noon to 3 p.m.

Local and regional retirees discuss the golden age of railroading. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children/seniors. Museum membership categories Train Master, Conductor and Engineer attend for free.

Morse Code Performance, March 13, 1 to 3 p.m.

Dashes and dots prevail as costumed old-time operators send telegraph messages throughout the museum. Bring the whole family to this incredible performance by the Morse Telegraph Club. Admission is $3 adults, $2 seniors/children.

Household Lace Adds Charm to Your Place: An Exhibit of Historic Bed, Bath, Table and Kitchen Lace, May 5 - Aug. 1
Although lace has a place in fashion history, it has also been used for centuries throughout the world as trim on household linens, to decorate furniture and to adorn church altars. Like quilting, lace-making has its roots in women's history. Once considered a secret trade of nuns, lace-making evolved in women's history when it became a way for maidens to make an acceptable living. Sponsored by International Old Lacers, Inc. and the Lace Arts Council for Education.

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.