November 2024 Update

Hello from Renton Historical Society,

As we look ahead to 2025, let us take a moment to acknowledge the progress made in the few short months since our last membership meeting. 

Renton Historical Society (hereafter RHS) has successfully taken over all financial, administrative and fundraising responsibilities previously managed by the Renton History Museum. We are thrilled to report RHS has won the first grant written by RHS, for RHS, which is valued at $15,000 and funded by 4Culture. Additionally, we closed an outstanding grant from 2021, returning $12,700 in previously spent funds. 

RHS has also assessed the facilities that hold our artifacts for structural integrity and long term viability. With the help of volunteer Eric Tuazon, whose report on the annex is available on our website, we enlisted foundation engineers from Matvey/Groundworks. The annex foundation was assessed for structural integrity and we are in the process of defining our path forward in regards to necessary repairs.

RHS leadership continues to strengthen our working relationship with the Renton History Museum through the sharing of information and resources. We look forward to future collaborations that allow our two organizations to expand access to Renton’s history.

Expanded access to the collection is at the forefront of RHS’s 2025 initiatives. By this time next year, Renton residents will be able to view artifacts remotely through our website for the first time ever! For decades, the digital collection has lived at the Renton History Museum on a single local copy of the program PastPerfect. Over the next few months, RHS will continue to develop an online portal that will allow everyone the opportunity to engage with the collection from their home computer. This historic development will ensure RHS can provide the public benefit expected of us as a non-profit, while remaining compliant with the endowment policy indefinitely.

Throughout the next year, RHS will also continue to develop our website to allow for increased organizational transparency. Here we will post updates, information related to the endowment, and discuss decisions made by the board of directors. We will also build an online store where books, gifts, and clothing are made available for purchase, as well as develop virtual exhibits that highlight the artifacts within their own unique contexts.

The resiliency that RHS has demonstrated in 2024 is a testament to the strength of our foundation. One built by the members, donors and community organizers like you who have given their time, energy and financial support to the shared goal of preserving Renton’s precious artifacts and the stories they tell.

We are asking you to consider supporting RHS once again. By visiting our website or mailing us directly, you can join our membership or make a direct donation in support of our 2025 initiatives. All contributions made to RHS remain tax deductible.

There are also a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available to you at RHS, including joining the board of directors. Please feel welcome to reach out to RHS with inquiries.

Attached you will find a document that explains the membership fundraising drive in detail. We hope you will consider supporting us in 2025 as we increase access to the digital collection.

Sincerely, 

Christopher Howell 

President of the Board of Directors