Most folks know that Steilacoom’s called the “Place of Firsts.” Plans are underway for more than 200 Fourth Graders from Saltar’s Point Elementary School to visit the Steilacoom Historical Museum during this school year to learn–not only about those many “firsts”–but also to experience Life in the “good old days” in this, the first Incorporated Community in Washington.
Approximately 225 Fourth Graders, their teachers and chaperons, will be visiting the museum that’s located on the edge of the historic (1857) Nathaniel Orr property.
They’ll learn how butter was made in the long ago, how to knead bread dough, and sample games from yesteryear.
They’ll learn about Steilacoom’s founders, Lafayette Balch and John Chapman, and how Union Avenue got its name.
Students also will tour the Orr Home and learn how the Orr Family raised nine children in that small house on Rainier Street.
They’ll visit Mr. Orr’s Wagon Shop. The wagon shop was re-roofed this past summer, and visitors can see where Mr. Orr made all the tools he needed for his many projects.
Their visit will also include a tour of the Museum where they’ll learn more about the waterfront community that had aspirations of becoming the state capitol, a railroad terminus, a major port city, and even a vacation destination.
Exhibits featuring highlights from Steilacoom’s 150+ years of existence are on display on the main floor of the museum. The downstairs level features a workroom—and a recreation of a long-time-ago classroom, where a replica of Steilacoom’s popular teacher Miss Tait, is on exhibit.
Steilacoom Historical Museum is operated by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. It’s open from noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and other times by special arrangement.
If you’ve never visited this treasure chest of a museum in the heart of Steilacoom’s Historic District, phone 584-4133 for more information, or visit www.steilacoomhistorical.org
Special school tours are arranged during the year through the Museum’s Education Committee, Judy Hopkins, Chair.
Note: the Museum’s gift shop, open on weekends, features a limited quantity of 2010 calendars, books, n
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