3/13/08

Rotary's leadership gift kicks off museum effort

by Beckye Randall

The Marysville Historical Society kicked off its capital campaign to raise funds for a local museum with an early morning meeting February 29 at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Marysville.

Fortified by a hearty breakfast prepared by the lodge’s Road Kill Warriors, the 40 or so invited guests were treated to a keynote speech by Secretary of State Sam Reed. Presentations by architect Scott Kirkland and the society’s financial director Steve Muller were topped off by a leadership gift from Marysville Noon Rotary president Gordon Bjorg.

Reed is a vocal advocate for preserving our state’s history and that of local communities. He has launched a campaign to add a state historical museum on the capital campus in Olympia, with lawmakers pledging $112 million to the project and an additional $30 million expected to come from private donations.

In contrast, the Marysville museum carries a more modest price tag of $3 million, but leaders concede it’s an aggressive goal for the community.

“The society owns property on Armar Road near Jennings Park and we plan to purchase an additional parcel,” said Ken Cage, president of the Marysville Historical Society. Plans for the museum, a 2-story facility with several exhibit and meeting rooms, were unveiled a few months ago.

The society’s goal is to raise $2 million in private funds, then apply for a biennial state matching grant for the final $1 million. Deadline for the grant application is in May, so the clock is ticking.

The organization’s financial officer, Steve Muller, presented the fundraising plan to members Friday morning and said he is confident the goal is achievable. “We have contracted with a grant writer for the state grant,” he said, “and she is the person who actually developed the criteria for its acceptance.”

With support from the community, Muller added, “This is definitely doable.”

The Rotary gift, a check for $250,000, demonstrates the community’s commitment to the museum, said Cage.

“This is a very good project,” said Bjorg, “and the entire Noon Rotary group wanted to get behind it in a substantial way.”

The Marysville Historical Society has established a “museum-in-waiting” in rented space at 1508-B Third Street. The office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.