| Established | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Location | 9611 36th Avenue SE Mercer Island, Washington |
| Website | Mercer Island Historical Society website |
The Mercer Island Historical Society was founded in 1954, when it was incorporated by Washington's Department of State in Olympia. The early activities of the society included collecting historical artifacts from the island's residents, presenting occasional special exhibits on the island's history, and designating historic buildings and landmarks. The MIHS continues these pursuits, as well as the publication of a twice yearly newsletter. It is currently located in an office in the Mercer Island City Hall, which also houses the society's archives. It serves the largly residential population of the island.
Mission
editThe mission of the Mercer Island Historical Society is to collect, preserve, research, record, and make available the heritage of Mercer Island.
Goals
editTo acquire, collect, preserve, label, and store historical documents, records, artifacts and memorabilia pertinent to Mercer Island history.
To promote the history of Mercer Island by presenting programs to community organizations and schools.
To share the history of Mercer Island in local displays and exhibits, and more globally on the Internet.
To partner with public organizations, and other organizations in preserving and protecting all aspects of Mercer Island history.
To seek public and private investments in all areas where support of any society function requires financial assistance.
Programs and Events
editMeetings are held six times a year, on the third Monday of March, April, May, September, October, and November. Speakers are often featured to discuss the history of Mercer Island, as well as other areas and events in and around King County and Puget Sound. In the past, the MIHS has presented exhibitions ranging from a study of the first settlement on the island, East Seattle; the first concrete floating bridge to connect Mercer to the mainland; and the early community clubs which served the island's social needs in the early 20th century. The general public may attend any meeting for free.
Publications
editIn 1977, Mercer Island Historical Society published a history of the island to coincide with the US bicentennial as well as the 100th anniversary of the island's settlement by Americans. The book was titled Mercer Island - The First 100 Years. It was republished in 1989 with the new title Mercer Island Heritage and is still sold by the MIHS. The "Mercer Island Historical Society Newsletter" is published twice yearly, with the newsletters from 2001-2004 being available on their website.
Membership
editThe MIHS is entirely run by volunteers. Operations are overseen by a board of eleven, headed by two co-presidents. Individual memberships have annual dues of $10, while family memberships are $15.