The Lopez Island Historical Society & Museum is looking forward to an exciting year in 2009. LIHS has been very active the past few years, but plans to step up the pace next year. In addition to designing a new exhibit featuring Lopez farms and families who raised food on the island in the early days, the museum will publish a new history curriculum for Lopez School students, begin work on a Lopez history book, and develop a new 5-year strategic plan that will consider how best to use new-found resources.

LIHS trustee Gary Alexander and museum staff are developing a Farms & Orchards exhibit to open late April, 2009, in time to share with Tour de Lopez. Look for lots of photos and some very scary artifacts that show Lopez Island’s rich farm history. Laurie Latta and Ellin Evans, also LIHS trustees, are writing a local history curriculum designed to meet Washington state education standards. The curriculum, planned for publication in the summer, is for Lopez School students and will also be available to museum visitors.

Susan Ferguson, who recently moved back to the island, loves Lopez and loves history, and recently approached the museum with her ideas for a Lopez history book. She will begin research early next year, and hopes to have the book published by summer, 2010. The museum invites the community to contribute their stories and historic photos.

LIHS developed a strategic plan five years ago, and it’s time to evaluate progress, assess needs, and set new goals. The museum recently received a generous bequest from Eva Hitchcock’s estate—the total amount isn’t known yet, but is expected to exceed $150,000. Board President Holly Kent describes the Hitchcock gift as “…an extraordinary opportunity that will enable us to consider some much-needed capital improvements. We are extremely grateful to Mrs. Hitchcock.” The funds will be set aside to create climate-controlled storage and work space, and also to improve visitor access. The museum will continue to rely on membership donations and other gifts from the community to fund daily operations.

The public is cordially invited to attend the Museum’s annual meeting (where all the items above will be discussed) at 7:00 pm, January 14 at the Port Stanley School.