July has been an outstanding month for Orcas Island history.

In addition to its very successful Historical Days, the Orcas Island Historical Museum has received three more grants to facilitate stewardship of Orcas Island’s unique heritage. It has been awarded $1,000 of Historic Preservation fund money from San Juan County to use toward installation of HVAC ducting, venting and climate controls for the nonprofit’s century-old cabins and main exhibit hall.

“This project will enable us to open the museum throughout the winter for school tours, group tours, researchers and the general public,” said Director Clark McAbee.

Volunteers Edrie Vinson and Harold Lentzner helped author another Rural Heritage online digitization grant in partnership with the Library and State Archives. This grant will help digitize its rare Civilian Conservation Corps photo collection.

The museum also received a $2,500 grant from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community that will also help towards stewardship efforts.