History Rocks!
Honoring Harbor History Museum’s founders while building the future. By Julianna Verboort.
Harbor History Museum (HHM) is a cornerstone in our community, with origins dating back to 1964 when Barbara Pearson and eight other local women founded the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society. A visit to the museum is one of the most entertaining ways to become familiar with Gig Harbor and the museum is just the right size to explore and absorb in a few hours. With permanent and traveling exhibits, there is always something new. It is an ideal spot to take visitors for an appreciation of the town's heritage. The fully intact 1893 Midway Schoolhouse is a favorite, and who wouldn't appreciate a chance to see a massive chunk of torqued steel from the famous Galloping Gertie?
Next month, HHM is hosting a special event that you won't want to miss. For the past 13 years, an annual dinner and auction has been the primary fundraiser for HHM. The gala has turned into one of the harbor's biggest events and is all the more exciting for 2014 because it is the 50th anniversary of the historical society!
Mark your calendars for the History Rocks Dinner and Auction celebration on Saturday, October 4, 6:00-10:00 pm at the new Tacoma Narrows Aviation Hangar. Arrive in cocktail attire and join your community to socialize amidst the classic black, white, and gold decor during this important anniversary evening.
Enjoy 7 Seas Brewery local beer, handcrafted cocktails, local wines, and appetizers as you browse the silent auction. Then sit down to a gourmet plated dinner, catered by Pacific Grill, and get ready for the live auction!
Jim Borgen has been the auctioneer for years and is a wonderful crowd favorite. Travel down memory lane with a special "look back" presentation and appreciate the accomplishments of the past year. Prepare to compete in the dessert dash, with mouthwatering confections generously donated by local bakeries, restaurants, and bakers.
Last year's auction event raised approximately $190,000 and this year's goal is $200,000. Funds from the evening are essential to fund the non-profit museum's community and education programs. These programs include elementary school living history field trips and hands-on traveling shows such as Water's Extreme Journey - enjoyed by many locals and visitors a few months back. In 2015, to coincide with US open, HHM is planning an exhibition focusing on the rich outdoor and sporting traditions in the harbor.
You do not need to be a Harbor History Museum member to attend, though membership to this charming and active museum offers year-round perks.
History Rocks tickets are priced at three levels and available through the event page at www.historyrocks.org. Ticket prices are as follow: $100 for members, $125 for non-members, and $250 for the VIP package including a museum membership, dinner, drink tickets, VIP parking, commemorative etched wine glass, and a golden raffle ticket that will let you "jump to the head of the line" for items after bids have closed. Those who are already members and purchase the VIP package will receive a one-year membership renewal.
The crown jewel of the auction is guaranteed to thrill... A VIP 2015 US Open Package! Not only does this package include Saturday and Sunday tickets (already long sold out), but also a hotel stay and transportation to and from Chambers Bay. Expect some serious bidding around this item!
History Rocks co-chairs Mary Grubbs and Anne Kilcup have been working diligently to line enticing auction items to satisfy a range of interests, including a five-night stay in a Sea Brook cottage and a Whistler package among other big ticket items. There are many thoughtful donations from local businesses, gift cards, packages, and baskets from vendors and community partners such as passes to museums around the region, zoos, Northwest Trek and
other local attractions.
The museum has come a long way since the days of a small group of volunteer women meeting in kitchens to preserve the oral traditions of local history. The museum has lived in several buildings, including a log cabin and a church basement. A capital campaign funded a dedicated building, and the current beautiful facility opened in 2009.
HHM anchors our harbor since its exhibitions provide context and a sense of rootedness. The museum reminds us that our rich heritage has carried us forward and it is our role to continue building that legacy so that future generations may benefit.
So join in the fun and celebrate the past 50 years while laying the groundwork for the future of the museum, all while having a great time at the gala with neighbors and friends. Event capacity is limited so don't delay! Stop by HHM or go to www.historyrocks.org for tickets and information.
