June 2025 Update

Hello from Renton Historical Society,

As I reflect on my one year of service to Renton Historical Society (RHS) as President of the Board of Directors, I am struck by the progress our beloved historical organization has made toward the goals set out for us in late spring of 2024. 

A new website has been written, designed and published with the help of local expert web developer and project manager Kristy Sharkey. With her help, rentonhistory.org is now a vital, vibrant place where RHS members and the general public can explore the treasurers held within our vast artifact collection, as well as gain insight into the rich history of our region. 

Along the main header of our RHS website lives the ‘Collections’ tab, where our public access page is just a click away. We are thrilled to report that our first remote public access collection of 22 artifact pages with photos and origin information is now available! These artifacts represent the first of many, and can be viewed from the comfort of your home computer, tablet or smart phone. 

4Culture has generously granted $47,250.00 in funding this year alone for the development of remote public access, and RHS will continue to work hard to bring more artifacts online over time.

The artifact move is now close on the horizon, and it is with utmost appreciation that we thank RHS’s newest board member Dr. Elizabeth Flanagan for connecting RHS with the new home for the artifacts. Many options have been explored over the last year, and the board prioritized pursuing what the public made clear they preferred. A site with a strong connection to Renton, where access to the artifacts was least limited, where those of all ages and abilities would feel welcome.

Only one available space met all three of those criteria, and that was Renton Technical College (RTC). While the contract is still in process, RHS leadership is actively working with the college to finalize our lease in time for the move in July. The Board of Directors unanimously agrees that RTC is the best possible location for the RHS artifact collection now held in the Renton History Museum. This space will offer security and room to grow over the next few years while we continue to fine tune our organizational needs and expand our local impact.

Our June 22nd, 2025 membership meeting has been scheduled for 3:00pm to 5:30pm at the Renton Technical College Annex located at 3407 NE 2nd St. behind the Greenwood Cemetery in Room 113. After a whirlwind year of changes, it is now time once again for the RHS officer election, board member election and open meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Anyone who attends this meeting can nominate themselves for the Board of Directors or an officer role, and can move to add a topic to the agenda. The full Board of Directors will be present to answer your questions and provide insight into our plans for the future. Refreshments will be provided.

I am deeply grateful for the kindness and support I have received during my tenure and thank you personally for your commitment to preserving not only our most meaningful artifacts, but the non-profit that will forever protect them. 

We look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting. A map of the area is provided below for your convenience.

Sincerely, 

Christopher Howell | President of the Board of Directors

president@rentonhistory.org | (425) 473-0411