Mission Statement
The mission of the White River Valley Museum (Museum) is to preserve and share the art and heritage of the area known by pioneers as the White River Valley (Auburn, Kent, Algona and Pacific.) This mission is carried out primarily through the operation of the Museum, and is expanding to include operation of the 67-acre, landmarked Mary Olson Farm (Farm), a late 19th century historic farmstead east of the Green River. A 17-member board manages the Museum and Farm as a partnership between the White River Valley Historical Society and the City of Auburn. About 13,000 visitors will came to the museum in 2009, additionally about 5400 school children will participate in award winning, curriculum based field trips at the Museum and Farm in 2009-2010 school year. Since the City partnership began in 1990, the Museum has undergone tremendous change and growth. In 1998 a $650,000 renovation added all new, award winning permanent exhibits and environmental controls. In 2001 a new $400,000 wing was added, creating the Key Bank Gallery, the Muckleshoot Classroom, new parking, gardens, signage and a 2,000 square foot storage space. Along with permanent exhibits, four temporary shows are mounted each year, two featuring heritage, two featuring arts. Restoration of the Farm commenced in 1999 and will draw to a close in 2011, with $1.54 million raised of the $1.64 million required. Long-range plans are developed every five years and followed. This is all done with a professional staff of four FTE and 65 trained volunteers.
