In Maple Valley and Black Diamond, it doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are, no one should miss out on visiting the heart and soul of these towns. Their heritage is in their museums. Black Diamond was a coal mining town; its Historical Museum is located inside a train depot built in 1886. It sits alongside a train and railroad tracks that delivered coal from Black Diamond to the Puget Sound waterfront from 1884 to 1931. Maple Valley has two museums. Both feature the 1800’s lifestyle while living in and around Maple Valley, Ravensdale, and Hobart. Their Gibbon/Mezzavilla Store Museum is in a store built in 1894. Maple Valley’s Fire Engine Museum depicts life in the era of vast forests, stump farms and lumber mills.
Historical societies operate the local museums. Maple Valley Historical Society (MVHS) celebrated its 50th birthday last year; Black Diamond Historical Society (BDHS) is close behind for a cumulative total of 96 years of preserving and disseminating local history. The two organizations made their own history this month when eight historical society representatives partnered to share facts, goals, personal stories, and ideas on what is accomplished at each organization and what is not productive. Along with discussion about a variety of programs that are free to the public, the historical society partners shared views about marketing, budgets, leadership roles, advertising, docents, and volunteers.
Maple Valley’s museums are open on the first Saturday of each month or by appointment. Black Diamond Museum is frequently open three days a week. Considered a rarity, fees are not charged for entry to any of them. They are supported primarily by personal [and estate] donations, plus grants. After being shut down for the past two years, renewing relationships with the community was a key topic as BDHS and MVHS partners exchanged agendas. Town gatherings in 2023 are now on the rise, so they promoted hosting “traveling displays” to show at community events. Displays of Cedar River boat racing, veteran memorabilia, and fire department artifacts could trigger interest in visiting the museums. A “Celebrate Them Day” was considered. That is where interest groups like the local car club or retired Tahoma teachers would be honored at the museums. King County Library System’s unique story time for kids was suggested as enticement to introduce children to life “way back then” at the museums.
Thanks to historical society leadership, a partnership in progress was evident at what was once referred to the “sister cities” of Maple Valley and Black Diamond. At the meeting, BDHS leaders included immediate past president Keith Watson, President Steve Israel and Sherrie Evans, treasurer. MVHS was represented by President Dick Peacock, Vice President Karin Roney, Secretary Sue Pilgrim, Treasurer Dave Pilgrim and Teresa Reese, board member.
Attracting community volunteers to the museums, for minor chores or heftier projects, is essential to keeping history and heritage intact. Teens, children with their parents, and adults of all ages are encouraged to join this effort. Those who are knowledgeable about the past also learn how to adapt to the future.
