Welcome

Nestled alongside the Sammamish Slough, the Bothell Historical Museum is located in the heart of downtown Bothell, Washington.  Through the use of this is website, we hope to give you a better understanding of our organization, the Bothell Historical Society, and the museum we operate.  On this page you will find a brief history about the origins of our beautiful Pacific Northwest town.

Information regarding membership in the Bothell Historical Society, volunteering, article donations, the museum's hours of operation and tours, memorial fund donations, and treasure boxes are also included on this page.  Also, click on the links shown to visit other pages in our website.  We hope you enjoy your online tour of the museum, and we look forward to meeting you someday in person!

The Beginnings of Bothell and the Historical Museum

The first settlers came to Bothell, Washington in the early 1870's seeking homesteads along the marshy Squak Slough, or Sammamish River.  Logging quickly became an integral part of life in Bothell and a community developed.  The town was platted in 1889, the year Washington became a state, and George Bothell served in the first State Legislature.  Incorporation in 1909 put Bothell on the map.

The Bothell Historical Museum is housed in the 1893 William Hannan house.  The museum was opened in July, 1969 and the building, donated to the City of Bothell by the original Northshore Bank, was moved from its Main Street site to the Park of Bothell Landing in 1978.

Each room in the two-story house has been restored and furnished with turn-of-the-century items.  Bothell's First Schoolhouse, located just behind the house, is a typical one-room school for grades 1-8.  A bell tower is nearby. 

The Beckstrom Log Cabin, adjacent to the museum, was built in 1885, with hand-hewn logs and housed a pioneer family of ten. 

The buildings compliment the many historic amenities in the park, such as the gazebo, arched foot bridge and walkways.  The Sammamish River, with its stage and amphitheater seating, flows through the park creating an ideal setting for family picnics and activities.

The Bothell Historical Society was formed in 1967 and is made up of all volunteer members who support a non-profit, local effort to preserve the history of the Northshore area.  The Society operates and maintains the museum in the areas of acquisitions, cataloging, tours and displays.  The museum research collection includes bound volumes of early newspapers, photograph displays and changing exhibits.

Volunteer and Membership Information:

You are encouraged to volunteer as hosts and hostesses during museum hours, help in areas of research, acquisition, cataloging and restoration.  Your membership entitles you to: our yearly newsletter; invitations to monthly meeting and programs; an opportunity to share in decisions concerning the museum and to serve on the Board of Trustees.

The following is a list of our annual membership rates:

Business = $30.00

Family = $20.00

Individual = $15.00

Senior (65+ years) = $10.00

Donated Articles:

Donated articles of interest are always welcome and are tax deductible.

Tours:

Hundreds of school-age children and special interest groups tour the museum annually.  Group tours may be arranged.

Hours of Operation:

The museum is open, free to the public, Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00p.m., May through the end of September and the first two Sundays in December.  Closed on Mother's Day.  The Society meetings are generally held the last Monday of the month at the museum at 10:00a.m., followed by a program of interest.  Special events occur throughout the year.  Come join us!

Publications:

The history book, "Squak Slough 1870-1920," a fascinating story of the Northshore area (270 pages full of interesting details, including 198 photographs) is available for sale at the museum.  A great gift idea.

Memorial Fund Donations:

The Society welcomes donations to its Memorial Fund.  Gifts from individuals in memory of loved ones have been received in the past with our deepest appreciation.

Treasure Box Information:

Our "Treasure Boxes" are available for loan to classrooms and youth groups.  Each box contains turn-of-the-century household items, such as a cheese grater, wash board, mechanical bank, butterchurn, chalkboard, clothing and soap saver, that can be operated, used or worn by children.  This is a hands-on learning experience not to be missed.  For further information, call (425)488-8408 or (425)486-0541.

We are appealing to you to help sustain the museum through your personal contributions.  Please make checks payable to Bothell Historical Museum, and send to:

P.O. Box 313, Bothell, WA 98041.  Thank you.

Bothell Historical Society and Museum

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