Renton History Museum

The Renton History Museum is a repository for objects and archives significant to the city of Renton in the state of Washington, USA. The Museum celebrates Renton’s history by caring for objects and archives, while providing exhibits and public programs for Renton’s diverse community.

Renton History Museum sign

Mission

The Museum’s mission is to preserve, document, interpret, and educate about the history of greater Renton in ways that are accessible to diverse people of all ages. The museum's vision is phrased "Capture the Past, Educate the Present, Inspire the Future."[1]

Background

History

The Renton Historical Society is a non-profit organization, which, with the City of Renton created the Museum as a joint project.[2] The Society provides private sector support for the Renton History Museum.[3]

Collections

The Renton History Museum houses collections consisting of objects, photographs and archives representing the history of greater Renton. The Museum cares for over 90,000 objects and 13,000 photographs that document Renton’s history, spanning all periods of the city's past.[3]

Exhibits

Upcoming Exhibits

Current Temporary Exhibits

Public Programs

The Museum organizes and hosts a number of public programs geared towards a variety of ages. Adult programs and family programs incorporate activities and lecture series relevant to Renton's rich history.

Location

Fire Station #1 in 1944

Housed in an Art Deco-style former fire station, the Museum is located in downtown Renton at 235 Mill Avenue South.[3] The former fire station was constructed in 1942 and is the last remaining structure built under the Works Progress Administration (WPA).[3] The photo, taken from the Renton History Museum website, shows the fire station in 1944 with it was “Fire Station #1.”

Renton History Museum in 2006

Today, the station is home to the Museum's exhibits, collections and research library. The research library is open to the public by appointment.[3]

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Master Plan: Experimental History Project" (pdf). Renton History Museum. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  2. ↑ "Renton History Museum official site". Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Renton History Museum". Renton, WA city official site. Retrieved 21 April 2010.

Coordinates: 47°28′48″N 122°12′12″W / 47.4801°N 122.2034°W