Few people would know about the rich history of the Highline area if it weren't for the Highline Historical Society. As a transplant and a person interested in history, I have used their archives to help me begin researching the neighborhood I live in. The Highline Historical Society enhances our community with displays and programs. I can't wait for their museum to open!
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The Highline Historical Society is very involved in the community and offers interesting programs and displays for the public. The Society is building a museum that will share the rich history of the Highline area.
From its beginnings as Highline Historical Society to it's soon to be open Highline Historical Museum, the largest driving force over the years has been Executive Director Cyndi Upthegrove, till she was forced to drive herself to the hospital a week or more ago. This is a magic lady who is recovering at home now but we all assume she will resume her driving force duties. Without Cyndi, we would have no museum.
Highline Historical Society is the "Best"! To be able to view Highline's history and to see how it relates to the past, present, helps our community to bond/treasure our past and see the vision of where we want to be and then proceed. Without the hours of volunteers' assistance, HHS would not have happened and thus Highline's history would have been lost to our children and community. We are big fans of the Highline Historical Society and give them highest of marks because they do exceed all expectations; they excel.
The Highline Historical Society is very community oriented and works hard to bring the area's rich history to the public. The historical society has been working to create and open (very soon) a wonderful museum where exhibits and history of the past can be displayed for all to enjoy.
It's been a privilege to work with a wonderful group of volunteers who have helped bring this goal about.
The Highline Historical Society is working with their community to create a unique museum for all to appreciate, understand and experience how the community came about, what it's history is, how it is today and what the future holds.
The society has been around for more than 20 years and has collected many unique items from over the years from many generous donors.
I am excited to volunteer with this non profit and work with them on building their museum which should be open for everyone to enjoy within the next six months.
Thank you for all that you do!!
I volunteer and donate because they are professional, efficient and do great things in our community.
I work with historical societies throughout our large county and the thing about the Highline Historical Society that stands out for me is not only its fine work in preserving and interpreting the past, but especially its commitment to capturing history as it happens in the present day, and in our increasingly diverse community. This is exemplified in many ways -- I'll give two quick examples: 1. the decision to hire a bilingual, Mexican-born curator who, in addition to her excellent design and organizational skills, is able to expand the Society's outreach to the community's rapidly growing Spanish-speaking populations; 2. the production of a series of oral histories that document the stories of residents who have come to our area from many different countries around the world. This inclusive approach demonstrates that we are all a part of history's continuum, and when we understand that, the lessons of history become more relevant and more compelling.
This historical society has done a whole lot without many resources. But with a highly motivated exhibit designer and an amazing array of volunteers they have accomplished a gem of an experience. Beyond the people who worked hard to pull together this popup museum, one of their best resources is the display of wonderful artifacts from their collection. Since the collection is at the heart of any museum, these folks have a lot to share with the community. They have this great collection and support because they have a community cares about their past. And this really shows in this exhibit about people coping with the Great Depression - a timely reminder we been here before as we work our way out of the Great Recession and the hardships it has brought to today's generations. But the exhibit is not a downer, its more like a slice of time frozen for us to see and understand an event that shaped many of our parents and grandparents...
This is a place where you can find the passion to do the right thing! Highline is the largest area in Washington State without a museum. Here is where you can find the goal to serve and meet the needs of the community!
This organization works full time to attain its mission, which is to tell the stories of the people of this region. The Society is located in one of the most diverse communities in Washington State, and they reach out at all times to members of the various ethnic communities in their midst. They truly believe that by knowing one another's cultures you will erase hostilities and by working together the entire community will be stronger.
An example of this is the hiring of a Latina curator and the addition of a Samoan woman to the board of trustees. they are visible in the cities, are strong-minded and completely agree with the direction of the organization - which is to build the Highline Heritage Museum.......as soon as possible.
Based upon my experience with the Historical Society, the organization does the best job of reconnecting our community members with their past. Let me share an example of what I'm talking about.
A couple of years ago the society sponsored a community forum on "Sports in Highline" The panel covered topics such as Title IX,which allowed more opportunities for girls in sports and the change from junior highs to middle schools and its impact on high school sports. However, the largest attention getter was the Church League for boys basketball that started in the mid 1950's and ended in the early 1970's. Thirteen churches sponsored teams and as long as the boys attended church on Sunday, they could play on Monday. There were several members of the audience that day who played in the League and they shared memories and experiences that were as fresh as the day they happened. They reconnected with their past with joy and gusto.
The Highline Historical Society has the ability to present opportunities for our citizens to reconnect with their history in Highline better than anyone else.
Kent Matheson