Mission, Vision &
Land Acknowledgement
Mission
The Renton Historical Society preserves and illuminates our community’s history to inform an inclusive and connected future that captures the diversity of experiences upon which Renton’s foundation is built.
Vision
Foster curiosity and inspire pride of place by ensuring the context of our shared history is accessible, inclusive and transparent.
Unite our community by providing unparalleled access to artifacts of timeless relevance.
Grow the present day understanding of the legacy of underrecognized communities by creating new opportunities for participation and engagement.
Values
Purpose
This Values Statement articulates the core values that guide the Renton Historical Society in fulfilling its mission as outlined in the RHS mission statement. Our values reflect our commitment to equity, accuracy, accessibility, and preservation.
Core Values
1. Historical Accuracy
Foster curiosity and inspire pride of place by ensuring the context of our shared history is accessible, inclusive and transparent.
2. Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
We honor and respect diverse cultures, viewpoints, and experiences. We strive to present a comprehensive and inclusive representation of history that acknowledges and values the contributions of all communities.
3. Preservation and Stewardship
We are entrusted with the preservation of historical artifacts, photographs and documents. We are dedicated to the responsible stewardship of these resources, ensuring their care and accessibility for future generations. We embrace innovation and adaptability in our approaches to historical research, preservation, and education. We are open to new ideas and technologies that enhance our ability to connect with and serve our audience.
4. Community Involvement and Collaboration
We value strong relationships with our community and seek to collaborate with individuals, organizations, and institutions that share our commitment to preserving and sharing history. We believe in the importance of community involvement in achieving our mission.
5. Transparency and Accountability
We operate with transparency and accountability in all our practices. We are committed to ethical management of resources, clear communication with stakeholders, and openness in our decision-making processes. Read more about our transparency.
Commitment to Living Our Values
We are committed to integrating these values into every aspect of our work and interactions. We expect all members, staff, volunteers, and partners to uphold these principles and contribute to our mission with integrity and respect.
Review and Reaffirmation
Our Values Statement will be reviewed at the annual Board retreat to ensure it remains relevant and reflective of our organization’s evolving goals and the needs of our community.
Land Acknowledgement
The Renton Historical Society acknowledges that we are on the unceded traditional land of the dxʷdəwʔabš (Duwamish) people. We recognize we are just one of the many record keepers who tell our shared story. We honor the Coast Salish People, past and present, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. We continue to honor and learn from their legacy through the honest presentation of the shared historical experiences of those who came before.