Key Peninsula Historical Society

Mission

The mission of the Key Peninsula Historic Society is to gather, record, preserve and disseminate information about the history of the Pierce County area generally known as the "Key Peninsula," so that succeeding generations of residents will have a firm and accurate record from its earliest inhabitants, early exploration and settlement, to the present.

Description

We are an all-volunteer organization that is supported by membership and donations. We collect historic memorabilia from members and friends of the museum, engage with the local elementary schools to provide hands-on history learning at the museum, present talks to various local organizations, and sell books about the history of the Key Peninsula. We also promote the museum's collection and display using our website, by staffing a booth at local community events and participating in STREAM night at one of our local elementary schools. We are open 2 days a week with access to all our displays and research materials, and have a new major display each year concerning some aspect of history on the Key Peninsula. The Key Peninsula includes 10 small communities from which the majority of our 173 members come. There are no incorporated towns existing on the Key Peninsula.

Help Us Save the VAUGHN LIBRARY HALL!

We are currently in the process of restoring the last remaining original meeting hall on the Key Peninsula in Vaughn, WA. It was built in 1893, and used until 1956, as a library and community center for many generations of this community. In addition, when the first high school on the Key Peninsula was built nearby in the early 1900s, it lacked a large space for plays, graduations, dances and other social events. This hall served that function for many decades. Because of the importance of Vaughn Library Hall in the development of the Key Peninsula, it has been granted Landmark status by Pierce County, and has been listed on Washington State's Register of Historic Places.

The Hall, while still structurally sound, is in a seriously dilapidated condition. Using historic photographs and forensic investigation we know exactly how it looked and have nearly completed the first phase of its restoration. In order to finish restoring this historical building, we are asking for support from the public. When completed it will be made available for both public and private functions and events. Please help with this important act of preservation. Visit our website for more information on the Hall and membership levels. Become a member and join us in helping preserve this last original meeting hall on the Key Peninsula.