Vashon Heritage Museum: A Newly Imagined, Richly Diverse Permanent Exhibit

FAIN: GI-287558-22

Vashon Maury Island Heritage Association (Vashon, WA 98070-4645)
Elsa Croonquist (Project Director: January 2022 to present)

Vashon Maury Island Heritage Museum respectfully requests an Implementation Grant of $325,000 from the NEH to complete the creation and installation of a newly imagined, comprehensive Permanent Exhibit that welcomes our community and accurately reflects the diverse, multi-faceted history of our Island and its many peoples. The history and heritage of Vashon-Maury Island, a rural spot located just a short ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma, is reflective of much of the Pacific Northwest: home to Coast Salish culture that thrived in the Salish Sea for millennia, including the sx???babš of Vashon - then settled by the Euro-Asian-Americans who swept into the Puget Sound in the mid-1800s. As originally conceived over 20 years ago, our Permanent Exhibit was for the most part reflective of a Eurocentric settler’s heritage. A vast amount of information and crucial context was absent. The Museum will bring these hidden stories to light in the new Permanent Exhibit.

Media Coverage

Vashon Heritage Museum: Partner Profile (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Carson Meacham
Publication: Maritime Washington National Heritage Area News
Date: 7/3/2024
Abstract: As the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association approaches its 50th anniversary, the museum the organization has created as a home for thousands of artifacts and stories is getting an extensive renovation, including a new permanent exhibit and expanded space for rotating displays.
URL: http://maritimewa.org

Vashon Heritage Museum Permanent Exhibit (Review)
Author(s): Vashon Heritage Museum Staff
Publication: Vashon Heritage Museum Website
Date: 12/1/2024
Abstract: This is a website designed to inform Vashon Heritage Museum membership, the general public and historians about the ongoing telling of the stories of Vashon’s history
URL: http://www.vashonheritagemuseum.org/permanent-exhibit

Vashon Heritage Museum's New Permanent Exhibit to be Unveiled (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Elizabeth Shepherd
Publication: Vashon Beachcomber
Date: 6/25/2024
Abstract: Update on construction and installation of major exhibit pieces for the museum soft opening in July.
URL: http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com

Vashon History Museum aims to re-open by July (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Alex Bruell
Publication: Vashon Beachcomber
Date: 2/8/2024
Abstract: A walk through of the plans for the museum and what the visitor can expect to experience.
URL: http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com

With Major Grant In Hand, Museum Will Create New Main Exhibit (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Elizabeth Shepard
Publication: Vashon Beachcomber
Date: 9/14/2023
Abstract: Announcement of NEH grant award and project description.
URL: http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com

An Island Treasure: The Vashon Heritage Museum (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Elsa Croonquist
Publication: Vashon Beachcomber
Date: 12/29/2021
Abstract: Description of the benefits of having an award winning heritage museum on the island.
URL: http://www.vashonbeachcomber.com