The Knapp Family and the Orcas Historical Museums welcome one and all to visit the newly restored 1883 Jorgensen barn on the Knapp Family Farm, located at 343 Buckhorn Road, Saturday, Sept. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Before his death, the late Gene Knapp fostered the state’s declaration of the barn as a protected heritage site. Restored by Tish Knapp’s son, Richard Buckley (and friends), with a grant from Washington State, the reconstruction involved creating a solid foundation for the surviving barn (quite a story in itself!). Some of the original boards were replaced with timbers logged and milled on the Knapp property, replenishing a solid artifact of rural pioneer life on Orcas Island in the 19th and 20th centuries. The mill and barn are open to the public once a year as a stipulation of the grant.

The afternoon promises a delightful time for folks of all ages. Besides learning about the barn, visitors are invited to enjoy yard games, pizza by Pizza-Cab and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase, and sparkling entertainment that will include the Orcas Kanikapila (featuring Kathy Collister and her band of strummers), the eclectic tunes of the Towaway Zone (TAZ), and Dave Roseberry and his gang. As an added bonus a storyteller, who will for the time being remain nameless, may tell a few stories about island ghosts…if the ethers allow…

Admission is free. Proceeds from food and donations will benefit the Orcas Island Historical Museums. For more information please call the Museum, 360-376-4849.