Thanks to a strong show of support from the community, the Lakewood History Museum no longer is threatened with having to close because of a lack of funds.
Lakewood Historical Society President Becky Huber said that as a result of a trio of situations the financial crisis has been resolved and the museum will remain open at its current location in the Lakewood Colonial Center.
The society spokeswoman explained that members and other interested individuals responded to the plea for additional funding by contributing more than $13,500. Management of the Lakewood Colonial Center agreed to reduce monthly rent for the next year and the City of Lakewood said the Motel Hotel Tax revenue that goes to the museum can be used to help pay the monthly expenses.
“We are grateful to the community, the Colonial Center owners and the city for enabling us to continue our mission ‘to identify, preserve and perpetuate Lakewood’s history through educational programs, preservation and exhibits that celebrate the sites and people of Lakewood and its role in the development of the Pacific Northwest’,” Huber stated.-
She said removing the concerns over the finances and possible museum closure has allowed the board of directors and committee members to move ahead with plans for monthly meetings, new museum exhibits and work on converting the historic Mueller-Harkins Hangar on the Clover Park Technical College property into a permanent museum. BCRA Design of Tacoma is working on the plans for the hangar conversion, she added.
The society’s next public meeting is planned for May 19 at the Lakewood Library at 7 pm. Author and horseriding enthusiast Joy Keniston-Longrie will speak on her recently published book, “Woodbrook Hunt Club.” She will be available to personally autograph copies of the book after her presentation.
The Lakewood Historical Society was organized 10 years ago and opened the storefront museum in the Lakewood Colonial Center three years ago. In addition to the museum, the Society offers monthly programs on Lakewood area history. Board members maintain a website and promote the Society and Museum through presentations to community groups and participation in local events.
More information about the society and museum can be found on the website at www.lakewoodhistorical.org or at the Museum, 6211 Mt Tacoma Drive SW, across from Columbia Bank. The museum hours are Wednesday-Saturday 12-4 pm. Call Becky Huber at 253-582-8682 for more information.