More museum members sought

NEWPORT – A new season has begun at the Pend Oreille County Historical Society. With the arrival of spring comes the callout for new and continued membership. POCHS is looking for people with an enthusiasm for collecting and preserving artifacts and information that reflect the history of the Pend Oreille River Valley. Along with the museum, located at 402 S. Washington Ave., the historical society provides educational resources to individuals, students and organizations. Membership dues go to support those efforts. Dues are $10 a year, $40 for five years or $150 for a lifetime membership.

According to a recent POCHS newsletter, the museum’s research department had its busiest year in 2024 with request for information on homes, properties, barns, events, businesses and people.

The museum giftshop also has a new addition to the porcelain ornament series, the Idaho and Washington Northern Depot.

Others include Newport High School, Kelly Island and the Hunter’s Cabin.

The ornaments are also available at Owen’s Grocery, Deli and Soda Fountain in Newport. There are also numerous children’s books and engaging local and regional history books for sale in the giftshop.

Since the museum is operated on a volunteer basis, volunteers are always needed to assist with the gift shop, front desk reception, research, archiving, photo digitizing, display development and maintenance, and grounds and building maintenance. The museum opens for the season Friday, May 23.

Membership dues can be sent to P.O. Box 1409, Newport, WA. 99156.

For more information, go to www.pochsmuseum. org and find the historical society on Facebook.