Kirkland
Heritage Society
The Kirkland Heritage Society’s
mission is to identify historic resources; to encourage their preservation;
to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the history and heritage of
Kirkland and its people; and to promote public involvement in and appreciation
of its heritage and cultures.
When the Kirkland Heritage Society (formerly the
Kirkland Historic Commission) was formed in 1977, many of the historic
sites in Kirkland had already been removed and lost forever. We are working
for the preservation of the remaining sites and to interpret the rich history
of Kirkland and its people.
Goals of the Society
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To record historical data.
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To locate, designate and register historic sites,
place names and structures.
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To work with city officials for the preservation
of Kirkland.
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To create and promote legislation for the preservation
of historic sites.
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To encourage the private sector to acquire endangered
sites and preserve their existence in Kirkland.
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To establish a repository to preserve and safely
store artifacts and provide accessibility to local history.
Membership Benefits
The two basic membership benefits are the newsletter - Blackberry Preserves - and
the monthly programs.
Programs are normally held on the last Wednesday
of the month except when there are special events usually in July, November and
December. They will range from visits to historic
homes to presentations given by historians, preservationists, as well
as local characters.
Blackberry Preserves is the newsletter
of the Society. In 1994, it won an award from the Washington Trust for
Historic Preservation. In addition, articles are placed in the City of
Kirkland’s newsletter, City Update and the Kirkland Courier.
Society Activities
The following are some of the activities
and achievements of the Kirkland Heritage Society:
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KHS has a collection of photographs, slides, and
documents relating to community history and those instrumental in
shaping it.
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The Oral History Project interviews
people selected because of their knowledge and experience
in shaping our community. Volunteers are trained to conduct interviews
that are taped and copies are made available at the City and through the Society.
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1994 Historic Preservation Report inventoried
historic properties and provided information for the City comprehensive
plan.
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Made newspaper research available through the Kirkland
Library.
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Booths at the Lakeview Elementary Mother’s Day Walk,
SummerFest and TASTE Kirkland.
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Display in the upper and lower lobby of the City Hall.
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Historic Home Tours such as at Marsh Mansion.
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Planned projects and programs include:
• Preparing Tour Brochures and interpretative
markers to illustrate Kirkland’s history;
• Reinstituting the program of historic plaques;
• Working to establish permanent Kirkland Community Archives;
• Completing surveys of Neighborhood historic
resources.
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