Rainier Valley Historical Society

Mission

We collect, preserve, and celebrate the history of Rainier Valley.

Every neighborhood has a history. Rainier Valley’s is extraordinary.

For generations, Southeast Seattle has been a place where people arrive, put down roots, and build something lasting. Their stories, captured in photographs, letters, oral histories, and artifacts, live in our archives. But history belongs in the hands of the community, not only in an archive. 

This year marks an exciting moment in our 135-year history. Last year, we purchased the Columbia Motor Co. Building at 3806 Ferdinand Street, our future permanent home. One day, it will house our archives, interactive museum exhibits, and a welcoming community space where neighbors can experience the valley’s story firsthand.

While we renovate the building, our mission continues. The walking tours still run. The archive keeps growing. Our office hours remain open to the public. Programs, events, and community storytelling continue across the valley.

Your GiveBIG gift helps keep these programs running while we build our future home.

Our goal is $2,500 to support the day-to-day work that keeps Rainier Valley history accessible during this exciting transition.

Your gift in action:

$15 – The Neighbor: Sends a visitor on a free Rainier Valley walking tour

$50 – The Keeper: Provides an archival box to safely house a new donation

$100 – The Door Opener: Funds one full day of public office hours

$250 – The Storyteller: Supports an oral history recording session and video creation

$500 – The Event Funder: Sponsors events like History Happy Hours and festival booths

Help keep Rainier Valley’s story alive — while we build the place it will call home.