Washington state is gifted with almost 45,000 registered and legit non-for-profit organizations. Their missions are wide ranging, but all attempt to address a significant community need, often relying completely on donor funding and an active cadre of community volunteers to do so.
For many residents, the nonprofit world can seem like a confusing, amorphous bag of missions, volunteers, fundraising, staff and activities, often seeming to overlap. But these groups provide or supplement essential and usually underfunded resources, direct services and programs that address critical community needs, bringing added value in their service areas and hope to those who need it most.
Nonprofit Spotlight hopes to provide a snapshot for you as readers, residents, potential volunteers, donors and clients with the basics, the info you need to make an educated decision on whether to support or participate. These are often community-based organizations, so you can bet that both will be highly valued and greatly appreciated. Check them out, ask questions, stop by, call or email for further info. They’ll be delighted to hear from you.
This month:
Kitsap History Museum
- kitsapmuseum.org
- Board president: Angie Tomisser
- Board vice president and museum director: Jeff Coughlin
Committed to preserving and promoting the history of Kitsap County, Kitsap History Museum was originally established in 1948 as the Kitsap County Historical Society. It eventually grew into the current powerhouse organization, which is housed permanently in an architecturally significant former bank building in Bremerton.
The nonprofit operates with a stated goal of enriching public understanding of Kitsap’s history and culture while fostering a greater appreciation for the region’s heritage among residents and visitors alike.
At the Kitsap History Museum, our mission is connecting our community with each story,” says Lisa Hope, director of marketing and development. “History connects communities by sharing diverse narratives that help us build a strong sense of identity, continuity and belonging. It inspires learning, empathy and active participation, all of which are crucial for a vibrant and cohesive community.”
According to the Kitsap History Museum, the organization focuses on “events, programming, collections and exhibits in the following core values:
- Accessibility — offering free and welcoming activities for every individual.
- Discovery — sparking curiosity and wonder through vibrant storytelling.
- Connection — forging strong bonds between people, place and time.
- Diversity — building inclusion through the many voices of Kitsap County.
- Education — illuminating the past to enrich our future.
Key Programs and Services
- Permanent, virtual and temporary exhibits
- Special events including Eat Your Way 2024, History Uncorked and 2nd Saturday Kid’s Day
- Archives and collections
- Group tours (limited hours; reservations required)
- Kitsap Research Resources (public reference library includes publications on Kitsap townships, books on Navy and ferry history, maps, yearbooks and more)
- Volunteer opportunities
Location: 280 Fourth Street, Bremerton
Contact: 360-479-6226 or info@kitsapmuseum.org
Donate: Online at This Link
This column is designed to inform you about our community’s highly respected 501(c)3 organizations. We highly recommend potential clients, volunteers and donors access further information via the charity’s own website, or via independent watch groups like GuideStar, Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits or Charity Watch, all available online. For an updated list of nonprofits in our community, check out the links provided by Kitsap Community Foundation and Jefferson Community Foundation.
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