By Karen Alexander

LIHS President

Special to the Weekly

Ever had the opportunity to dig through an old box of “junk” that someone in your family stashed in the attic—a closet—under the bed—in the garage, only to experience the joy of time travel as you sifted through it? History is empty of “story” unless someone in a family treasures this “stuff of life” and stashes it away for a curious family member to discover.

The Lopez Island Historical Society has been in the business of digging through such treasured boxes for 40-some years. With the advent of computers, we now have many thousands of family treasures scanned, photographed, codified, safely stored away or filed in our growing archives. As a result, you can learn a great deal about the people who chose to move to this island and call it “home”.

But, we need your help—we need your family’s “Lopez arrival story.” On

Saturday, July 26 (11a.m.—3 p.m.) LIHS is hosting a community wide old-fashioned Lopez Island picnic on the museum grounds. Bring your own picnic lunch, beverage, blanket, lawn chair and favorite island and family stories, we’ll provide the music (thanks to Bill Johnson and friends) and entertainment.

Don’t want to bring your own picnic? Then grab a bite at the Farmer’s Market and mosey on over to the museum to participate in some of our many history related activities—add your name to the Lopez Timeline, listen to interviews and stories, enjoy children’s activities, and sign the new Lopez Island community signature quilt. One entire museum wall will be dedicated to the timeline. We hope you will add your name and your family’s arrival date—future generations will thank you.

Please join us and add your family story to our archives!