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Sedro-Woolley Museum
The Sedro-Woolley Museum has been a special part of the SedroWoolley community for 30 years. With its celebration of the city’s growth all the way back to the frontier era up to more modern times, it is a cherished resource for both Sedro-Woolley residents and visitors from around the country and the world. The museum is operated by an all-volunteer staff of Sedro-Woolley residents and most exhibits were built with materials donated by members of the community. Dale Robertson, who has been working with the museum since it opened in 1992, was elected as museum board president in October 2018. He was instrumental in creating the museum’s current structure, which includes smaller display rooms. Longtime president, Carolyn Freeman, continues her work supporting the museum from home, as needed.
The museum volunteers work to refresh and add new exhibits every year to keep things interesting. After a museum member found old photos of Skagit Speedway at a local garage sale, volunteers began work on a new exhibit that will be open May 21-22, 2022. (See details about the open house under Featured Events below). The exhibit will include an old car that raced at the speedway, as well as hundreds of photos and brochures. The photos date back to 1951; come and see if you recognize any of your relatives!
If you haven’t seen it yet, come check out the new entrance with Carnegie light pillars and other memorabilia salvaged from the old library. Recently refreshed exhibits include the Cokedale Mine and the replica of a frontier town, with a barn, blacksmith shop, and school house. There is a new front façade on the Dream Theater. More businesses have been added throughout the museum. The Main Street exhibit with a post office, jail, saloon, bank, and newspaper office is better than ever. Exhibits feature railroads, logging and the Skagit Steel gallery that highlights one of our major local industries, as well as Northern State Hospital and tributes to the military and the town’s “Founders, Movers, and Shakers.” In honor of the 100-year anniversary of our fire department,
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the fire/police department exhibit was refreshed with new pictures and uniforms.
The Research Library is always growing with new archival collections, photographs, maps, newspapers, and other materials that help researchers find answers to their questions about our area’s history.
The Gift Shop offers a fun, fresh selection of books and postcards about local history. Locally made gift items such as candles and hand-saw trees are available, as well as museum T-shirts.
The Sedro-Woolley Museum’s annual membership drive is in January, but people are welcome to join in person or on-line throughout the year. Volunteers make events possible. Your help, even once a month, will make a difference in the community. And it’s fun! Please call or stop by the museum to see which opportunity would be enjoyable for you. Many special events offer a variety of experiences, including the Love that Train event in February that highlights the museum’s extensive model railroad set-up. Skagit Speedway Exhibit Open House: May 21 & 22, 2022
The museum will be hosting an open house on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 to celebrate the opening of its brand-new exhibit about the Skagit Speedway. Hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please join us!
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Blast from the Past: June 3- 5, 2022
The museum will be open Friday, June 3, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, June 4 (open house) and Sunday, June 5 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The American Legion Car Show will be next door on Sunday.
The Spirits of Christmas Past with Chad Lindberg: TBA
We hope that actor and paranormal investigator Chad Lindberg can return for “The Spirits of Christmas Past” at the museum again this year. These entertaining and interactive programs are typically held twice a day, the weekend before Christmas. Reservations are a must, as the shows are limited to 25 people. Check the museum website or call the museum at 360-855-2390 for program times, dates, and tickets. Santa’s Throne: TBA
The museum is planning to do a meet and greet with Santa at the museum again this year; date and time to be determined. Children can meet Santa and enjoy cookies and a tour of the museum. Parents are welcome to take pictures of their kids visiting with Santa. Check the museum website or call the museum at 360-855-2390 for event information closer to December. Love That Train event: February, 2023
The museum is excited to bring this event back.Check the museum website or call the museum at 360-855-2390 for event information.
Contact Information
Website: www.sedro-woolleymuseum.com Address: 725 Murdock St., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 Phone: 360-855-2390 E-mail: swmuseum@comcast.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/ WoolleyMuseum Instagram: www.instagram.com/ sedrowoolleymuseum/
Hours:
Museum: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, noon – 3 p.m. There is a $2.50 suggested donation to enter.
Research library: available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. To make an appointment, call the museum at 360-855-2390 or research librarian Sharon Howe at 360-854-9814.
