Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum - The Snoqualmie Valley Museum collection had its start in the year 1939 during the 50th anniversary celebration of Washington's statehood. A pageant depicting the early settlement of the Valley was written by Mrs. Ada S. Hill and put on by the local residents, which included at that time many of the early pioneers. Also a display of early pioneer artifacts was put on exhibit. From this small beginning has grown the present collection of hundreds of articles, photographs and library of reference material, which is available for research.<br /><br />Through the years the collection was kept at the North Bend Grade School. Mrs. Hill (a teacher there) continued to add to the collection of artifacts and also interviewed and wrote down the stories and histories of those families who settled in the Valley in those early days.<br /><br />In 1960 the school needed the museum room for classroom space, so the community rallied to the need for a home for the now large collection, and the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society was formed. Funds were sought to put up a small building and memberships invited to help support the infant organization. A small piece of ground adjacent to the library was made available by the City of North Bend, and a concrete block building 16'x30' was ready for occupancy and moved into by that fall. Five years later the need was urgent for more space. The community again contributed sufficient funds, and the building was doubled in length.<br /><br />In 1975 the Board of Trustees investigated the possibility of obtaining this present building, as it had been declared surplus property by the State Department of Highways. The size, location, and concrete construction made it ideal for the continually enlarging collection. After two years of negotiations with the State and the City of North Bend, and two more years of fund raising and volunteer help to remodel it suitable for museum purposes, the collection was packed up and moved and the museum reopened April 27, 1979.<br /><br />Each progressive step has been generously supported by the whole community, demonstrating their interest, recognition and approval of the preservation of the history of this Valley. Local volunteers accomplish all the operation and maintenance of the museum and its activities, with City of North Bend assistance for grounds upkeep. The SVHS is supported entirely by memberships, donations, yearly stipends from the City of North Bend and the City of Snoqualmie and fund-raising projects by the Board of Trustees.