Rainier Valley Historical Society

Mission

To collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the history and heritage of Rainier Valley and its community and to educate and promote public involvement in, and appreciation of, its history and culture.

Our geographic boundaries are from Dearborn Street on the north to the city limits on the south, and from the I-5 freeway to Lake Washington.

Description

Our Goals:
• Research, document, and preserve the history of Rainier Valley.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the diverse history of the area.
• Foster pride in Rainier Valley's unique heritage.
• Maintain and add to our permanent archive of oral histories, photographs, documents, and artifacts relating to Rainier Valley.

Rainier Valley Historical Society's roots go back to 1891, when the families who bought the first lots in Columbia City gathered to celebrate the founding of their community. The "Columbia Pioneers" continued to meet every April for 100 years. During that time they gathered an extensive collection of photographs and written material documenting the early years of Columbia City and Rainier Valley.

In 1993 the group reorganized and became Rainier Valley Historical Society. RVHS inherited the mantle of the Columbia Pioneers, along with their collection of historic photographs, documents, and artifacts.  RVHS has continued to expand the collection, which now includes more than 30,000 photographs, documents, 500 + artifacts, and more than 200 oral history recordings.

Through projects such as Dismantling Racism, historical walking tours, Habesha Oral Histories, Rainier Valley Food Stories, Looking Into Courtland Place, Double Exposures, The Hidden Stream of Columbia City, the Hillman City Time Capsule, and Honored to Serve, RVHS has involved Rainier Valley neighbors in gathering and sharing more stories about our community's unique history.

Recognition

Rainier Valley Historical Society would not be in existence without the support from King County 4Culture, donors, volunteers, and its volunteer board of directors.