Steilacoom Historical Museum Association

Museum Operations: The Association owns and manages the Steilacoom Historical Museum and three historical buildings. The facilities are staffed by volunteers and docents. The museum is also used as a classroom and office for the Association. Donations are accepted at each facility. The cost of utilities, repairs, etc., are consolidated so expenses are estimates. The museum store/gift shop lost $2,463 during 2023, primarily due to purchasing large amounts of special order items, such as logo clothes and Christmas ornaments with local landmarks.

Historical Collections: The Association maintains collections of pioneer clothing, tools, furniture, photographs, store records, etc. that represent life in the Steilacoom area over the last 175 years. These items are either on display or kept in a locked climate-controlled area of the historic Orr Home. Many of the items were donated to the Association. Some of particular importance to the community are purchased when they are put up for sale. The end result is a vast and varying source of historic examples that are seen by visitors, especially school students, and made available to researchers, in accordance with the Association's mission.

Education: SHMA docents and volunteers set up exhibits and informational materials in the Museum and the historic buildings. The Curator accessions and maintains historic papers and artifacts which are available for research and periodically put on display. Presentations on various topics are given periodically by historians. Other activities are arranged with 4th grade teachers as part of their curriculum and a separate Kids Club is conducted for grade schoolers.