News/Announcements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2026
State Funding Provides Critical Foundation for Snohomish Historical Society’s Multi-Year Preservation Plan
SNOHOMISH, Wash. — The Snohomish Historical Society is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $77,000 grant from the Washington State special legislation budget. This funding, secured through dedicated local advocacy, will launch critical resilience upgrades at two of the city’s most significant landmarks: the 1878 Blackman House Museum and the 1938 Waltz Building.
As a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, the Society views this targeted state investment as a preservation lifeline. The grant enables essential modernization work—including high-efficiency HVAC systems and crawlspace remediation—that protects original architecture while drastically improving energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this support,” said Laura Knudson, president of the Snohomish Historical Society board, in the release. “This funding allows us to address important structural repairs now while also putting stronger systems in place to help preserve the museum for years to come.”
Protecting a Shared Community Asset
While this $77,000 investment addresses the most immediate infrastructure priorities, it represents the first phase of a comprehensive, long-term plan to modernize and protect the Society’s historic campus. By enhancing the structural resilience of these buildings, the Society can reduce future operating costs and refocus its limited volunteer resources on education, new exhibits, and community engagement.
The Society extends its heartfelt thanks to Representative April Berg, Representative Brandy Donaghy, Senator John Lovick, and Snohomish Council Member Terri Lippincott for championing this funding and recognizing historic preservation as a driver of local tourism and downtown vitality.
A Shared Future: How to Keep the Momentum Going
State grants provide the foundation for the buildings’ physical longevity, but the heart of the Society’s mission—archiving local history, hosting school tours, and maintaining public access—relies entirely on local involvement. To ensure this state investment flourishes, the community is invited to:
Become a Member: Annual memberships start at just $15 for seniors and $25 for individuals.
Volunteer: Support is needed for museum docents, event planning, and light maintenance.
Visit & Share: Help keep Snohomish’s stories alive by touring the Blackman House or renting the Waltz Building for community events.
About the Properties
The Blackman House Museum (1878): Built for Hyrcanus Blackman, this Victorian residence is Snohomish’s only museum. It serves as the SHS headquarters, housing the city’s irreplaceable archives and pioneer-era artifacts.
The Waltz Building (1938): Originally the high school music building, it was saved from demolition in 1983 and now serves as a central community gathering space and affordable rental hall.
About the Snohomish Historical Society
The Snohomish Historical Society is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization committed to preserving and sharing the history of Snohomish County through exhibits, events, and educational programs.
Media Contact:
Melissa Becker, Board Member
Snohomish Historical Society
Melissa@snohomishhistoricalsociety.org
360-568-5235