The 1888 Crow Valley School has been operated as a local museum by its owners Richard Schneider and Albert “Bud” McBride for more than 20 years.

Open Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer months, visitors have been charmed by a peek at the authentic one-room school house, which was typical in isolated San Juan communities more than a century ago, when as many as 47 youngsters from the thriving orchard community attended there.

Earlier this year, Schneider and McBride donated the property to the Orcas Island Historical Museum. The donors will be on island this weekend, and the museum would like to take this opportunity to honor them.

Join the Museum Board and volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 12:30 p.m. for a dedication, followed by a short open house.

In addition to the old school itself, the Crow Valley School Museum also houses a collection of photos and information about other county schoolhouses, including other historic schools on Orcas and the Port Stanley School on Lopez.

The Crow Valley School Museum is located on Crow Valley Road, next to the north Turtleback Preserve trailhead, about 2.5 miles from Eastsound.

There is uneven ground leading up to the steps and no wheelchair access. Check with parking attendant for parking instructions.

For additional information, call the Orcas Museum 376-4849.