Kingston Historical Society revived; public meeting, open house Feb. 20

KINGSTON — The Kingston Historical Society is celebrating its revival with a public meeting and open house on Feb. 20.

The open house will begin at 11 a.m. at Village Green Community Center, 26159 Dulay Road NE.

If you have not seen the exhibit of historical photos at the Village Green Community Center lobby, this would be a great time to view them and learn more about Kingston’s interesting history. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Visitors can provide input on the society’s list of proposed projects and activities.

Some of the historical society’s recent projects:

The historical society, the Village Green Art Committee and the Kitsap Regional Library collaborated to create the lobby photo exhibit.

The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Kingston Historical Society page on its website (www.kingstonchamber.com). Click “Resources,” then “Kingston Historical Society.” Society member Brianne Magruder maintains the page and the new Facebook page (go to Facebook and search for Kingston Historical Society).

Member Dan Birnel created a new email address for the society: kingstonwa history@gmail.com.

Mark and Amy Anderson, owners of The Cup &Muffin, and historical society member Jan Bourgeois organized an open house and vintage artifact and photo exhibit at the former Axe Handle Cafe in May 2016.

The society’s first patron member, Johnny Walker of Almost Candid Photo, Frame and Fine Arts, displayed the new Kingston postcard he designed and offered to donate a portion of the proceeds from their sale to the Kingston Historical Society.

Member Rick Eveleth embarked on a genealogy project related to the Kingston Cemetery.

Member Marian MacKenzie led a series of field trips to the Kitsap History Museum in Bremerton, the Suquamish Museum, the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, and the Port Gamble Historic Museum.

Society members rode in the Kingston 4th of July Parade in 2016. Members Susan Anest and her family and Jon and Kathy Sole represented the society with an entry honoring the community’s logging heritage. Patron member Lisa Maxwell of Little City Candy Company donated the delicious classic candies we distributed.

Member De’ MacKinnon initiated a historical marker project for historical sites in Kingston. The first marker will be placed in front of the heritage camperdown elm tree outside the Village Green Community Center entrance.

“The society thanks the Suquamish Foundation for its generous grant in December to help us purchase equipment and supplies to begin inventorying and archiving our records, photos, and artifacts,” society president Kathleen Sole reported.

February is Membership Month for the society.

“Last year, attorney Dave Roberts of Beebe Roberts &Bryan PLLC helped us revise our bylaws, and we established a new membership structure,” Sole reported.

“With membership dues of only $20 a year for individuals and $30 a year for families, you can help us preserve our community’s heritage and will receive all society news and meeting minutes. We meet only once a month and don’t have many rules or commitments; you can participate as much or as little as you want and take part in projects of interest to you.

“You need not be a longtime resident to be part of our local society. You just need to love Kingston and enjoy learning about its past.”

The Kingston Historical Society meets at 11:15 a.m. the third Monday of each month at Village Green Community Center.

For more information, go to the historical society’s website or Facebook page.