About Us

The Magnolia Historical Society (MHS) was founded in 2001 by a small group of 15, most whom are still active members. Many worked as writers or volunteers on Magnolia's first history book: Magnolia: Memories & Milestones. We welcome new members interested in simply volunteering, archiving, writing, teaching, research, and public speaking. It is important to the Society that history be a family affair encouraging fun, hands-on activities.

The writing down of history has become a specialty of The Society, but by no means their only emphasis of historically relevant work on Magnolia Bluff.

Accomplishments include:

• worked to preserve the Home for Crippled Children on Magnolia’s north border.

• was actively involved in Magnolia’s SummerFest, Saturday Farmer’s Market, as well as events at The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).

• contributes historical articles to the Magnolia News.

• supported the surplusing of the West Point Lighthouse to Discovery Park and continues to fight for the return of the Fort Lawton Historical Housing buildings in the Park.

• created an archival collection of Magnolia historical photos and documents which reside at the University of Washington Allen Library Special Collections, accessible for public use.

• created and taught a Local History in Schools Program.

• established and honors outstanding Magnolia persons with our “Magnolia Historical Person of the Year Award” plaque hung at the Magnolia Public Library.

• publishes the informative, illustrated MHS News Quarterly covering many aspects of Magnolia’s history.

• holds regular General Meetings with speakers on several historical topics of interest.

• sells Magnolia: Memories & Milestones to raise funds for history work.

• initiated a Magnolia Historical Society website www.magnoliahistoricalsociety.org

• produced a second collection of academic quality history, fun memoirs, and wonderful archival photos in an elegant sequel to Magnolia: Memories & Milestones.