Friends of the Aberdeen Museum
Our story
The Friends of the Aberdeen, Washington Museum are a group of individuals who care for the history of Aberdeen. The Friends’ goal is to keep the area’s history available and interesting to visitors of all ages.
They first formed in 1976. Two years later, they incorporated into the non-profit, 501c3 that they are today. They purchased display cases and materials to help prepare the museum to open in 1983.
Throughout their history, the Friends have managed the donated collection, raised money to pay operating costs, to buy equipment for existing and new displays, and event equipment such as tables, chairs, and computers.
In 1982, the original group was joined by a number of new members: the lead librarian, Rosalie Spellman, and a volunteer curator, Lynn Daneker (Retired from the Carpenter’s Union).
Lynn brought in carpenter volunteers who created the “Walk Through a Town” buildings placed along the Armory walls.
Years later, and with the city’s backing, the group hired a curator; Dann Sears, originally from Aberdeen, who returned from the East to accept the position.
A good friend of the museum, Bob McCausland, decorated several of the walls in the museum with remarkable murals.
In 2016, the Friends decided to put emphasis on the preservation of the photographic collection. Dann Sears accepted the photographic archivist position and the Friends then hired Dave Morris as the new Museum Director/Curator.
The original Friends had varied backgrounds but had historical roots in Grays Harbor:
Emily Airhart
Emily Airhart came from Malinowski stock who settled on the upper Wishkah in the early 1900’s. The Malinowski Dam which supplies the city’s water from the upper Wishkah River is named for her uncle, Joseph Malinowski. Emily was the last original founder still volunteering until 3 weeks before her death in February of 2018.
Louise Fairbairn
Louise Fairbairn was raised in Hoquiam, where her father served as Mayor. Louise was known for many years by all the area’s sports teams as a frequent confidant. She & her husband, known to all as Bus, cared for and resided at the Natatorium pool, basketball court & football stadium. Their door was always open and frequently used!
James Stewart
James Stewart was raised in a family that originally settled on the lower Wishkah. Stewart’s Ball Field & James Stewart Memorial Park are named for his father. “Jimmy” practiced law in the area for many years.
Cyrus Gonigam
Cyrus Gonigam was not from the area but he pastor-ed the First Congregational Church. It was from the original 1890 Congregational church building that the beautiful Pioneer & No Cross No Crown stained glass windows and large bell were later moved to the Aberdeen Armory museum. He was the Bursar of Grays Harbor Collage and Sociology in 1964.
Not much is known about the other founding members listed below.
Art Beck was a member of the Ancient Mariner Group at the GH Historical Seaport. He was also instrumental in the rebuilding of Museum gift shop.
Al Brecht graduated from Weatherwax in 1936. Al was employed by Ocean Spray for 43 years. He was a member of the Eagles, Sons of Norway, a volunteer for the Aberdeen Police Dept and a member of the Pioneer Association.
Connie White was employed by Penney’s.
William (Bill) Vogler was the Grays Harbor County official.
Sally McClean was employed by Reiner’s.
Dorothy Mann ran a catering business.