Contact Robin Harrison Telephone 253.858.6722 Email operations@harborhistorymuseum.org<mailto:operations@harborhistorymuseum.org> Website www.harborhistorymuseum.org<http://www.harborhistorymuseum.org> MEDIA RELEASE February 5, 2020 CITY OF GIG HARBOR CONTINUES GRANT FOR FREE ADMISSION TO HARBOR HISTORY MUSEUM Complimentary Admission Continuing for 2020 Gig Harbor, WA - Thanks to a grant from the City of Gig Harbor, complimentary admission to the Harbor History Museum will continue for all general public visitors through 2020. This support allows the Museum to continue its "Access for All" initiative that provides access to local history exhibits to everyone, residents and visitors alike. Started in 2018, the Museum's partnership with the City has increased service to residents and tourists nearly two-fold. "We love that we have been able to open our doors to all; no matter what their income level," says Museum Director Stephanie Lile. "Our community is full of amazing stories that we are eager to share with new and life-time residents as well as tourists from all over the world." Over the past two years, visitors to the Museum have come from as far away as New Zealand and South Africa, and as close as next door. Visitor reports show that the Museum actually greets more people from outside the local area than those residing within the 9833 zip code area. Museum general visitation numbers have increased over the last two years from just over 5000 to more than 10,000 in 2019. "We're always looking for ways to increase our service to the community and to welcome visitors to our beautiful region," says Lile. The two largest objects in the collection, the Midway Schoolhouse and the FV Shenandoah, continue to awe visitors. Thanks to grants from the McEachern Foundation and the Gig Harbor Rotary, significant preservation work was completed on the National Historic Register listed Schoolhouse last year. Work on the Shenandoah under the guidance of shipwright Riley Hall is moving forward with vision and purpose, thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers and funding from the Washington State Heritage Capital Project Fund along with some 150 individual donors (to date). The HHM Access Initiative supported by the City is opening doors for everyone in our community and beyond to discover the unique history of our area. >From Mosquito Fleet ferry captains, to farmers, teachers, businesses, and War veterans, the greater Gig Harbor community is rich in its heritage of industry, innovation, and immigration--the very attributes that made the American Dream. These stories and more are found in the Harbor History Museum. The Museum gratefully accepts donations in support of museum programming, in lieu of admission. Program fees still apply, with reduced rates for members. About Harbor History Museum: Harbor History Museum creates opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities by collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich history of the area. Founded in 1964, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, dba Harbor History Museum, opened its new facility in 2010. The museum campus includes an 1893 fully restored one-room schoolhouse; a 65-foot fishing vessel currently being meticulously conserved; 7,000 square feet of exhibition space; and a 900-square foot library, research and meeting room. The Museum provides a variety of public education programs. Our core educational program is the Pioneer School Experience (PSE), which serves over 1,400 students every year. Our permanent exhibit features professionally designed exhibitions, larger-than-life experiences, and opportunities for hands-on exploration of our region's rich history and unique heritage. In addition, the Museum provides 3-5 special exhibits throughout the year so there is always something new to see and experience for our members and visitors. WINTER HOURS - Wednesdays-Fridays 10 am-5 pm, Saturdays 10 am-5 pm. MEMBERS - Receive discounts and special notice for upcoming events and programs. ADMISSION - Complimentary Admission for all visitors courtesy of the City of Gig Harbor. CONTACT - 253-858-6722, www.HarborHistoryMuseum.org<http://www.HarborHistoryMuseum.org>, operations@HarborHistoryMuseum.org<mailto:operations@HarborHistoryMuseum.org> Robin Harrison | Operations and Marketing Manager [cid:image001.png@01D572BB.545DEC70] operations@harborhistorymuseum.org<mailto:operations@harborhistorymuseum.org> 4121 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98332 253-858-6722