December 17th, 2008	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

White River Valley Museum Announces Holiday Closure, 2009 Events

AUBURN, Wash. – The White River Valley Museum is closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 6 for the holidays. Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Join the White River Valley Museum for the following events when it opens again on Jan. 7. 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.

“Ilalko, Then Slaughter, Now Auburn: Historic Photographs of Place by Auburn Pioneer Arthur Ballard,” Jan. 14 – April 12

The White River Valley Museum recently came upon an amazing collection of images of Auburn from its earliest days through the 1920s. Muddy streets, long dresses, horse-drawn milk wagons and logging with oxen are all shown in this new exhibit complete with images contrasting then and now. The exhibit is courtesy of guest curator Kenneth (Greg) Watson.

“Auburn: Past, Present and Future” Lecture and Slideshow, Jan. 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Greg Watson, guest curator for the exhibit “Ilalko, Then Slaughter, Now Auburn” will present on the history and evolution of the White River Valley, followed by a City presentation on the future development of the Auburn downtown area.

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

For railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this event commemorates the trains and railroads that helped shape Auburn and surrounding areas. The open house is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by the lecture and a slideshow from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Auburn Our Story” Film Screening, Feb. 21, 1 – 3 p.m.

This is a special one-time screening of the award-winning video series “Auburn Our Story.” The 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.

Family Day: Celebrating Places, March 14, noon – 4 p.m.

Celebrate Auburn and its history with hands-on activities for the entire family. From mapping games to story writing there will be lots to do for kids of all ages.

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.